e was dressed in white, and the exquisite
fairness of her head and face was thrown into strong relief by the dark
background of fronded fern and thickly matted creeper with which the
wall behind her was overgrown. Her face was slightly bent, and her hands
hung clasped before her. To her visitor, who was indeed Sir Philip
Ashley, she appeared more beautiful than ever. But his eye, as it rested
upon her, though attentive, was indifferent and cold.

"You sent for me, I think?" he said politely, finding that she did not
speak.

"Yes." Margaret's voice was very low. "I hope you did not mind my
writing that little note?"

"Mind? Not at all. If there is anything I can do for you----?"

"It is not that I want you to do anything," said Margaret, whose
self-possession, not easily disturbed, was now returning to her. "It was
simply that I had something to say."

Sir Philip bowed. His role was that of a listener, it appeared.

"When I was in England before," Margaret went on, this time with some
effort, "you found fault with me----"

"Presumption on my part, I am sure," said Sir Philip, smiling a little.
"Such a thing will certainly not occur again."

"Oh please hear me," said Margaret, rather hurriedly. "Please listen
seriously--I am very serious, and I want you to hear what I have to
say."

"I will listen," said Sir Philip, gravely; he turned aside a little, and
looked at the flowers as she spoke.

"I want to tell you that you were right about Janetta Colwyn. The more I
have thought of it, the more sure I have been that you were right. I
ought not to have been angry when you asked me to prevent people from
misjudging her. I ought to have written to Miss Polehampton and set
things straight."

Sir Philip made an inarticulate sound of assent. She paused for a
moment, and then went on pleadingly.

"It's such a long time ago now that I do not know what to do. I cannot
ask mamma. She never liked Janetta--she never was just to her. I do not
even know where Janetta is, nor whether I can do anything to help her.
Do you know?"

"I know where she is. At the Red House just now, with Mr. and Mrs.
Cuthbert Brand."

"Then--what shall I do?" said Margaret, more urgently. "Would it be of
any use if I wrote to Miss Polehampton or anyone about her now? I will
do anything I can to help her--anything you advise."

Sir Philip changed his position, as if he were slightly impatient.

"I do not know that there is anything to be done