that has been going on. Deceive me, if you dare!"

"I am not deceiving you," answered Constance, wearily. "You have heard
all I know."

"Now, then, for what you suspect," said Lady Ogram, leaning towards
her. "Turn your mind inside out. Tell me what you _think_!"

"That is soon done. I suspect--indeed, I believe that Mr. Lashmar's
behaviour is that of a man with an over-excited mind. He thinks
everything is within his reach, and everything permitted to him. I
believe he spoke to me quite honestly, thinking I might somehow plead
his cause with you."

"That isn't what I want. Do you suspect that he had any hopes to go
upon?"

"I care so little about it," answered Constance, "that I can't form any
conjecture. All I can say is, that such a man would be quite capable of
great illusions--of believing anything that flattered his vanity."

Lady Ogram was dissatisfied. She kept a brief silence, with her eyes on
May's countenance.

"Ring the bell," were her next words.

Constance rose and obeyed. A servant entered.

"When Mr. Lashmar arrives," said Lady Ogram, "you will bring him at
once to me here."

"Mr. Lashmar has just arrived, my lady."

CHAPTER XXIV

"Ask him to come--. No! Stay!"

Lady Ogram stood up, not without difficulty. She took a step or two
forwards, as if trying whether she had the strength to walk. Then she
looked at her two companions, who had both risen.

"Constance, give me your arm. I will go downstairs."

They left the room, May slowly following and watching them with anxiety
she vainly endeavoured to disguise. The descent was slow. Constance
held firmly the bony arm which clung to her own, and felt it quiver at
every step. Just before they reached the bottom, Lady Ogram ordered the
servant who came after them to pass before and conduct Mr. Lashmar into
the library. At the foot of the stairs, she paused; on her forehead
stood little points of sweat, and her lips betrayed the painful effort
with which she continued to stand upright.

"May"--she looked into the girl's face--"if I don't come when the
luncheon bell rings, you will excuse me to Sir William and Lady Amys,
and take my place at table."

Slowly she walked on, still supported by Constance, to the library
door. When it was opened, and she saw Lashmar awaiting her within (he
had passed into the library by the inner door which communicated with
the drawing-room), she spoke of her companion.

"Thank you, Constance. If I don'