ig for
a drawing-room.

When the children departed after an orgy of osculation, Jaffery surveyed
with a twinkling eye the decorous quartette sitting by the fire. Then in
his familiar fashion, he took his companion by the arm.

"They're too grown up for us, Liosha. Let's leave 'em. Come and I'll
teach you how to play billiards."

So off they went, to the satisfaction of Barbara and myself. Nothing
could be better for our Christmas merriment than such relations of
comradeship. We had the cheeriest of dinners that evening. If only, said
Jaffery, old Adrian and Doria were with us. Well, they were coming the
next day, together with Euphemia and the four unattached men. As I said
before, I had given up enquiring into the lodging of this host, but
Barbara, doubtless, as is her magic way, had caused bedrooms and beds to
smile where all had been blank before. She herself was free from any
care, being in her brightest mood; and when Barbara gave herself up to
gaiety she was the most delicious thing in the wide world.

In the morning the shadow fell. About eleven o'clock Franklin brought me
a telegram into the library where Jaffery and I were sitting. I opened
it.

"_Terrible calamity. Come at once. Boldero_."

I passed it to Jaffery. "My God!" said he, and we stared at each other.
Franklin said:

"Any answer, sir?"

"Yes. 'Boldero. Coming at once.' And order the car round
immediately--for London. Also ask Mrs. Freeth kindly to come here. Say
the matter's important." Franklin withdrew. "It's Adrian," said I, my
mind rushing back to my horrible apprehensions of the summer.

"Or Doria. I understood--" He waved a hand.

"Then Barbara must come."

"She would in any case. It may be Adrian, so I'll come too, if you'll
let me."

Let the great, capable fellow come? I should think I would. "For
Heaven's sake, do," said I.

Barbara entered swinging housewifely keys.

"I'm dreadfully busy, dear. What is it?"

Then she saw our two set faces and stopped short. Her quick eyes fell on
the telegram which Jaffery had put down in the arm of a couch, and
before we could do or say anything, she had snatched it up and read it.
She turned pale and held her little body very erect.

"Have you ordered the car?"

"Yes. Jaffery's coming with us."

"Good, I'll get on my coat. Send Eileen to me. I must tell her about
house things."

She went out. Jaffery laid his heavy hand on my shoulder.

"What a wonder of a wife you've got!"