might, in amazement.

"I would ask you," he said, "to excuse my unceremonious entrance, but
that it seems to have been providential. You have met with an accident,
I am afraid. Allow me."

He helped me to stagger to my feet, and pushed me gently into the easy
chair. The match burnt out, and he quietly struck another and looked
around the room for a candle or lamp. It was a vain search, for I had
neither.

"I am afraid," I said, "that I am out of candles--and oil. I got a
little overtired walking here, and my foot slipped in the dark. Did I
understand that you wished to see me?"

"I did," he answered gravely. "My name is Mostyn Ray--but I think that
we had better have some light. I am going to get one of the motor
lamps."

"If you could call--in the morning," I began desperately, but he had
already opened and closed the door. I looked around my room, and I
could have sobbed with mortification. The omnibus was lit inside as
well as out, and I knew very well who was there. Already he was talking
with the occupants. I saw a girl lean forward and listen to him. Then
my worst fears were verified. I saw her descend, and they both stood
for a moment by the side of the man who was tugging at one of the huge
lamps. I closed my eyes in despair.

Once more the wind swept into my room, the door was quickly opened and
closed. A man-servant in his long coat, and cockaded hat tied round his
head with a piece of string, set down the lamp upon my table. Behind,
the girl and Mostyn Ray were talking.

"The man had better stop," he whispered. "There is the fire to be
made."

For the first time I heard her voice, very slow and soft, almost
languid, yet very pleasant to listen to.

"No!" she said firmly. "It will look so much like taking him by storm.
I can assure you that I am by no means a helpless person."

"And I," he answered, "am a campaigner."

"Get back as quickly as you can, Richards," she directed, "and get the
things I told you from Mrs. Brown. Jean must bring you back in the
motor."

Once more the door opened and shut. I heard the swish of her skirts as
she came over towards me.

"Poor fellow!" she murmured. "I'm afraid that he is very ill."

I opened my eyes and made an attempt to rise. She laid her hand upon my
shoulder and smiled,

"Please don't move," she said, "and do forgive us for this intrusion.
Colonel Ray wanted to call and apologize about this evening, and I am so
glad that he did. We are going to