talk to me."

When Blake returned, Millicent had gone, and Mrs. Keith noticed the
glance he cast about the room.

"I sent Miss Graham away," she said. "You have been here some days.
Why didn't you tell me who you were?"

"I wasn't sure you would be willing to acknowledge me," he answered
frankly.

"Oh, I never quite agreed with the popular opinion about what you were
supposed to have done. It wasn't like you; there must have been
something that did not come out."

"Thank you," Blake said quietly.

She gave him a searching glance.

"Can't you say something for yourself?" she urged.

"I think not. The least said, the soonest mended, you know."

"But for the sake of others."

"So far as I know, only one person was much troubled about my disgrace.
I'm thankful my father died before it came."

"Your uncle felt it very keenly. He was furious when the first news
arrived, and refused to believe you were to blame. Then, when Major