about myself already. Perhaps to-morrow?'

'Why, to-morrow, then,' said his companion. 'It's a flat wooden
house, on the left-hand side. Come at any time of the evening';
he paused again and smiled--'the third house after the Rectory,
which is marked up on the gate. My name is Herbert--Herbert
Herbert to be precise.'

Lawford took out his pocket-book and a card. 'Mine,' he said,
handing it gravely to his companion. 'is Lawford--at least...'
It was really the first time that either had seen the other's
face at close quarters and clear-lit; and on Lawford's a moon
almost at the full shone dazzlingly. He saw an expression--dismay,
incredulity, overwhelming astonishment--start suddenly into the
dark, rather indifferent eyes.

'What is it?' he cried, hastily stooping close.

'Why,' said the other, laughing and turning away, 'I think the
moon must have bewitched me too.'



CHAPTER TEN

Lawford listened awhile before opening his door. He heard voices
in the dining-room. A light shone faintly between the blinds of
his bedroom. He very gently let himself in, and unheard, unseen,
mounted the stairs. He sat down in front of the fire, tired out
and bitterly cold in spite of his long walk home. But his mind