to the Merstons' farm, and with a mingling
of relief and dissatisfaction Sylvia realized that any further
discussion was out of the question.

Merston came out, full of jovial welcome, to meet them, and in a
moment she was glad that she had come. For she saw that he was
genuinely pleased to see her.

"It's most awfully good of you to come," he said, as he helped her
down. "You've been having a strenuous time at Brennerstadt, I'm
told. I wondered if you were going in for Kelly's diamond that he
was so full of the other day. How the fellow did talk to be sure!
He's a walking advertisement. I should think he must have filled
Wilbraham's coffers for him. And you didn't hear who won it?"

It was Burke who answered. "No, we didn't stop for that. We
wanted to get away."

Merston looked at Sylvia. "And you left young Guy behind? It was
very sporting of you to go after him like that. Burke told me
about it. I blame myself that he wasn't on the spot to help. I
hope the journey wasn't very infernal?"

He spoke with so kindly an interest that but for Burke's presence
she would have felt no embarrassment. He evidently thought that
she had acted with commendable courage. She answered him without
difficulty, though she could not restrain a quick flush at his
words. It was thus then that Burke had defended her honour--and
his own!

"It wasn't a very nice Journey of course, but I managed it all
right. Mr. Kelly has promised to look after Guy."

"He'll do it then," said Merston reassuringly. "He's a grand chap
is Kelly. A bit on the talkative side of course, but a real good
sort. Come in now! Come and see my wife! Burke, get down! You
must have a drink anyway before you start back."

But Burke shook his head. "Thanks, old chap! I won't wait. I've
things to do, and it's getting late. If you can just get my wife's
baggage out, I'll be off."

The last of the sunset light shone upon him as he sat there.
Looking back at him, Sylvia saw him, brown, muscular, firm as a
rock, and an odd little thrill went through her. There was a
species of rugged magnificence about him that moved her strangely.
The splendid physique of the man had never shown to fuller
advantage. Perhaps the glory of the sunset intensified the
impression, but he seemed to her great.

Merston was dragging forth her belongings. She went to help him.
Burke kept his seat, the reins taut in his hands.

Merston abruptly gripped him by th