octor Morley had warned him, could have only one
end. He wished the poor little fellow no harm, but, on the other hand,
he had no sentiment about him. If he were going to die then the disgrace
would be wiped away and need never be spoken about. So he answered
slowly:

"There is something which troubles her now and then. It will pass
presently. Take no notice of it."

So Lady Ethelrida, as mystified as ever, turned the conversation.

"May I give you the book to-morrow morning before we go to shoot?" the
financier asked after a moment. "It is your birthday, I believe, and all
your guests on that occasion are privileged to lay some offering at your
feet. I wanted to do so this afternoon after tea, but I was detained
playing bridge with your father. I have several books coming to-morrow
that I do so want you to have."

"It is very kind of you. I would like to show you my sitting-room, in
the south wing. Then you could see that they would have a comfortable
home!"

"When may I come?"

This was direct, and Lady Ethelrida felt a piquant sensation of
interest. She had never in her life made an assignation with a man. She
thought a moment.

"They will start only at eleven to-morrow, because the first covert is
at a corner of the park, quite near, and if it is fine we are all coming
out with you until luncheon which we have in the house; then you go to
the far coverts in the motors. When, I wonder, would be best?"--It
seemed so nice to leave it to him.

"You breakfast downstairs at half-past nine, like this morning?"

"Yes, I always do, and the girls will and almost every one, because it
is my birthday."

"Then if I come exactly at half-past ten will you be there?"

"I will try. But how will you know the way?"

"I have a bump of locality which is rather strong, and I know the
windows from the outside. You remember you showed them to me to-day as
we walked to the tower."

Lady Ethelrida experienced a distinct feeling of excitement over this
innocent rendezvous.

"There is a staircase--but no!"--and she laughed--"I shall tell you no
more. It will be a proof of your sagacity to find the clue to the
labyrinth."

"I shall be there," he said, and once again he looked into her sweet,
gray eyes; and she rose with a slightly faster movement than usual and
drew him to where there were more of her guests.

Meanwhile Lord Elterton was losing no time in his pursuit of Zara. He
had been among the first to leave the dining