but it is
fallen nature and therefore to be surmounted. Now let me go and forage
for your hat and coat, and take you out upon the moors. No? Why not? I
often find things for Flower, so really I know likely places in which
to search. Oh, all right! I will send Margery. But don't be long. And
you need not be afraid of Dalmain hearing us, for I saw him just now
walking briskly up and down the terrace, with only an occasional touch
of his cane against the parapet. How much you have already
accomplished! We shall talk more freely out on the moor; and, as I
march you along, we can find out tips which may be useful when the time
comes for you to lead the 'other man' about. Only do be careful how you
come downstairs with old Margery. Think if you fell upon her, Jane! She
does make such excellent coffee!"

CHAPTER XXIV

THE MAN'S POINT OF VIEW

A deep peace reigned in the library at Gleneesh. Garth and Deryck sat
together and smoked in complete fellowship, enjoying that sense of calm
content which follows an excellent dinner and a day spent in moorland
air.

Jane, sitting upstairs in her self-imposed darkness, with nothing to do
but listen, fancied she could hear the low hum of quiet voices in the
room beneath, carrying on a more or less continuous conversation.

It was a pity she could not see them as they sat together, each looking
his very best,--Garth in the dinner jacket which suited his slight
upright figure so well; the doctor in immaculate evening clothes of the
latest cut and fashion, which he had taken the trouble to bring,
knowing Jane expected the men of her acquaintance to be punctilious in
the matter of evening dress, and little dreaming she would have,
literally, no eyes for him.

And indeed the doctor himself was fastidious to a degree where clothes
were concerned, and always well groomed and unquestionably correct in
cut and fashion, excepting in the case of his favourite old Norfolk
jacket. This he kept for occasions when he intended to be what he
called "happy and glorious," though Lady Brand made gentle but
persistent attempts to dispose of it.

The old Norfolk jacket had walked the moors that morning with Jane. She
had recognised the feel of it as he drew her hand within his arm, and
they had laughed over its many associations. But now Simpson was
folding it and putting it away, and a very correctly clad doctor sat in
an arm-chair in front of the library fire, his long legs crossed the
one