possible. However, to spare her, I will say no more just now. Ladies
and gentlemen"--bowing to right and left--"I thank you again."

He sat down amid thunders of applause; and leaning back in his chair,
he looked straight and full at Guthrie Carey. Guthrie Carey, erect,
calm as a stone image, returned the look steadily. There was absolutely
no expression in his eyes.




CHAPTER VIII.



Carey junior joined the Christmas party after breakfast, and was handed
round. Mary introduced him. He was spick-and-span, with shining cheeks
and a damp and glossy top-knot, and his blue eyes stared at the strange
crowd stolidly for several minutes before he suddenly crumpled up his
face and uttered a howl of terror.

"What is it?" queried Dalzell, with raised brows, pretending that he
had never seen such a thing before.

"It's a baby," Frances explained, dancing round it. "Baby! Baby!"--
shaking the new rattle that was one of its Christmas gifts--"look at
me, baby! It is Mr Carey's baby. Oh, come and speak to him, Mr Carey!
He is frightened of so many strangers."

The stalwart father in the background glowered upon the son disgracing