shortcomings. Nick, a chair for Master Godolphin and another cup. I
bid you welcome to Penarrow."

A sneer flickered over the younger man's white face. "You pay me a
compliment, sir, which I fear me 'tis not mine to return to you."

"Time enough for that when I come to seek it," said Sir Oliver, with
easy, if assumed, good humour.

"When you come to seek it?"

"The hospitality of your house," Sir Oliver explained.

"It is on that very matter I am come to talk with you."

"Will you sit?" Sir Oliver invited him, and spread a hand towards the
chair which Nicholas had set. In the same gesture he waved the servant
away.

Master Godolphin ignored the invitation. "You were," he said, "at
Godolphin Court but yesterday, I hear." He paused, and as Sir Oliver
offered no denial, he added stiffly: "I am come, sir, to inform you
that the honour of your visits is one we shall be happy to forgo."

In the effort he made to preserve his self-control before so direct an
affront Sir Oliver paled a little under his tan.

"You will understand, Peter," he replied slowly, "that you have said
too much unless you add something more." He paused, considering his
visitor a moment. "I do not know whether Rosamund has told you that