wanted. But I'm not one for shoving myself in otherwise. Maybe the chap
won't be so keen himself when he knows he can't have Columbine to go
with him. Find that out first!"

Mrs. Peck looked at him with an approving smile. "Lor', Rufus! You've
got some sense," she said. "But I wonder how Columbine will take it if I
says anything to Mr. Knight behind her back."

Adam chuckled. "Columbine in a tantrum is one of the best sights I
know," he remarked.

"Ah! She don't visit her tantrums on you," rejoined his wife. "You can
afford to smile."

"And I does," said Adam.

Rufus turned away. There was no smile on his countenance. He said
nothing, but there was that in his demeanour that clearly indicated that
he personally was neither amused nor disconcerted by the tantrums of
Columbine.

He followed Mrs. Peck indoors, and sat down in the kitchen to await
developments. And Adam, whistling cheerfully, strolled to the bar.

Mrs. Peck had to dish up the visitor's dinner before she could tackle
him upon the subject in hand. She trotted to and fro upon her task, too
intent for further speech with Rufus, who sat in unbroken silence,
gazing steadily before him with a Sphinx-like immobility that made of
him an impressive figure.