Her face clouded ever so little, and for the first time Nigel noticed
that she was pale.

"Uncle has gone away for a few days," she replied. "He said it was
business--what would you? But I told him I should be lonesome in this
great house, and I--I am so frightened at those horrible little flames
that twinkle twinkle all night long. I cannot sleep when I am alone,
Nigel. I am a baby I know, but I cannot help it. It makes me feel so
afraid!"

As was usual in moments of emotion with 'Toinette, her accent became more
pronounced. He stroked her hair with a gentle hand, as though she were in
very truth the child she tried not to be.

"Poor little one! I wish I could come across and put up here for the
night. Hang conventions, anyway! And then too I have to make ready for
some visitors who will be down to-morrow or the next day."

"Visitors, Nigel?"

"Yes, dear. I've a couple of--friends coming to spend a short time with
me. Chaps I met in London to-day."

"What did you go up for, Nigel--really?"

He coloured a little, and was thankful that she turned away at that
moment to straighten the collar of her blouse. He didn't like lying to
the woman he was going to marry. But he had given his word to Cleek.

"Oh," he said off-handedly, "I--I went to my tailor's. And then stepped