"Really, Andrew," he said calmly, but with an undernote of anger
trembling in his tone, "I am surprised to see you like this! You
might, I think, have had a little more consideration. Can't you
realize what a sight you are, and what a mess you're making!"

Andrew took off his cap and shook it, so that a little shower of
salt water splashed on to the polished floor.

"Never mind, Cecil," he said good-humouredly. "You've all the
deportment that's necessary in this family. And salt water doesn't
stain. These boards have been washed with it many a time."

The young man's face lost none of his irritation.

"But what on earth have you been doing?" he exclaimed. "Where have
you been to get in a state like that?"

Andrew's face was suddenly overcast. It did not please him to think
of those last few hours.

"I had to go out to bring a mad woman home," he said. "Kate Caynsard
was out in her catboat a day like this. It was suicide if I hadn't
reached her in time."

"You--did reach her in time?" the young man asked quickly.

Andrew turned to face the questioner, and the eyes of the brothers
met. Again the differences between them seemed to be suddenly and
marvellously accentuated. Andrew's cheeks, bronzed and hardened with