William's feelings were beyond description. Desperately he sought for
an explanation for his friend's presence. With what pride and
_sang-froid_ had Robert announced his uninvited guest! William
determined to try it, at any rate. He advanced boldly into the
drawing-room.

"This is Mr. Blank, mother," he announced jauntily. "He hasn't got no
ears."

Mr. Blank stood in the background, awaiting developments. Flight was
now impossible.

The announcement fell flat. There was nothing but horror upon the five
silent faces that confronted William. He made a last desperate effort.

"He's bin in the war," he pleaded. "He's--killed folks."

Then the unexpected happened.

Mrs. de Vere Carter rose with a smile of welcome. In her mind's eye
she saw the touching story already in print--the tattered hero--the
gracious lady--the age of Democracy. The stage was laid and that dark,
pale young man had only to watch and listen.

"Ah, one of our dear heroes! My poor, brave man! A cup of tea, my
dear," turning to William's thunderstruck mother. "And he may sit
down, may he not?" She kept her face well turned towards the
sardonic-looking Mr. Lewes. He must not miss a word or gesture. "How
_proud_ we are to do anything for our dear heroes! Wounded, perhaps?
Ah, poor man!" She floated across to him with a cup of tea and plied