For the first time since when, as a small, curly-headed boy, Hugh Alston
had looked up at her ladyship with unclouded fearless eyes, that had
appealed instantly to her, he and she were bad friends. Hugh had driven
back to Hurst Dormer after a brief battle with her ladyship. He had seen
Marjorie for a few moments, had soothed her, and told her not to worry,
that it was not her fault. He had kissed her in brotherly fashion, and
had wondered a little at himself for the slight feeling of impatience
against her that came to him. He had never been impatient of her before,
but her tears this afternoon unreasonably annoyed him.

"She's a dear, sweet little soul, and over tender-hearted. Of course,
she got me into this mess, and of course, bless her heart, she is
worrying over it; but it can't be helped. As for that other girl!" His
lips tightened. It seemed to him that Miss Joan Meredyth had not shone
any more than he had. She had taken the whole thing in bad part.

"No woman," said Hugh to himself, "has any sense of humour!" In which he
was wrong, besides which, it had nothing to do with the case.

"I am disappointed in Hugh," Lady Linden said to her niece. "I don't
often admit myself wrong; in this matter I do. I regarded Hugh Alston as
a man utterly and completely open and above board. I find him nothing of
the kind. I am deeply disappointed. I am glad to feel that my plans with
regard to Hugh Alston and yourself will come to nothing."

"But, aunt--"

"Hold your tongue! and don't interrupt me when I am speaking. I have