m.
He turned and found her looking closely into his face.

"Reggie," she said, with a touch of shyness, "are you--unhappy--about
something?" He did not answer her at once, and she slipped suddenly down
upon her knees by his side. "Forgive me, dear old boy! Do you know, I
couldn't help guessing a little? You're not vexed?"

He laid a silencing hand upon her shoulder.

"I don't mind your knowing, dear," he said gently.

And he stooped, and kissed her forehead. She clung to him closely for a
second. When she rose, her eyes were wet. But, obedient to his unspoken
desire, she did not say another word.

When she was gone Carey roused himself from his preoccupation, and
concentrated his thoughts upon his correspondence. He was leaving
England in two days, and travelling to the East on a solitary shooting
expedition. He did not review the prospect with much relish, but
inaction had become intolerable to him, and he had an intense longing
to get away. He had arranged to return to town that afternoon.

It was towards luncheon-time that he left his room, and, descending,
came upon Lady Emberdale in the hall. She turned to meet him, a slight
flush upon her face.

"No doubt Gwen has told you our piece of news?" she said.

He held out his hand.

"It is official, is it? I am very glad. I wish you joy with all my
heart."

She accepted his congratulations with a gracious smile.

"I think everyone is pleased, including those absurd children. By the
way, here is a note just come for you, brought by a groom from
Crooklands Manor. I was going to bring it up to you, as he is waiting
for an answer."

He took it up and opened it hastily, with a murmured excuse. When he
looked up, Lady Emberdale saw at once that there was something wrong.
She began to question him, but he held the note out to her with a quick
gesture, and she took it from him.

"My husband met with an accident while motoring this morning,"
she read. "He has been brought home, terribly injured, and
keeps asking for you. Can you come?

"N. CONINGSBY."

Glancing up, she saw Carey, pale and stern, waiting to speak.

"Send back word, 'Yes, at once,'" he said. "And perhaps you can spare me
the car?"

He turned away without waiting for her reply, and went back to his room,
crushing the note unconsciously in his hand.

X

"And the sea--gave up--the dead--that were in it." Haltingly the words
fell through the silence. There was a certain m