Pendean who welcomed him.

"Uncle's in his tower," she said. "I'll call him in a minute. But
tell me first if there is anything to tell. I am glad to see
you--very!"

She was excited and her great, misty blue eyes shone. She seemed
more lovely than ever.

"Nothing to report, Mrs. Pendean. At least--no, nothing at all. I've
exhausted every possibility. And you--you have nothing, or you would
have let me hear it?"

"There is nothing," she said. "Uncle Ben would most certainly
have told me if any news had reached him. I am sure that he is
dead--Robert Redmayne."

"I think so too. Tell me a little about yourself, if I may venture
to ask?"

"You have been so thoughtful for me. And I appreciated it. I'm all
right, Mr. Brendon. There is still my life to live and I find ways
of being useful here."

"You are contented, then?"

"Yes. Contentment is a poor substitute for happiness; but I am
contented."

He longed to speak intimately, yet had no excuse for doing so.