face which was undisguisedly a change to alarm.

"Don't apologize, Mr. Troy," she said. "I am to blame for forgetting
your appointment and for not keeping my nerves under proper control."
She paused for a moment and took a seat before she said her next words.
"May I ask," she resumed, "if there is something unpleasant in the
business that brings you here?"

"Nothing whatever, my Lady; mere formalities, which can wait till
to-morrow or next day, if you wish it."

Lady Lydiard's fingers drummed impatiently on the table. "You have known
me long enough, Mr. Troy, to know that I cannot endure suspense. You
_have_ something unpleasant to tell me."

The lawyer respectfully remonstrated. "Really, Lady Lydiard!--" he
began.

"It won't do, Mr. Troy! I know how you look at me on ordinary occasions,
and I see how you look at me now. You are a very clever lawyer; but,
happily for the interests that I commit to your charge, you are also a
thoroughly honest man. After twenty years' experience of you, you can't
deceive _me_. You bring me bad news. Speak at once, sir, and speak
plainly."

Mr. Troy yielded--inch by inch, as it were. "I bring news which, I fear,
may annoy your Ladyship." He paused, and advanced another inch. "It is
news which I only became acquainted with myself on entering this house."

He waited again, and made another advance. "I happened to meet your