"He does not," said Hester, placing her hand on Mr Parkley's arm. "He knows he is always so very welcome here." She went in with him to dinner, and evidently exerted herself greatly to chase away the cloud that shadowed her, devoting herself to her guests, but in spite of her efforts her eyes were more than once directed partially to where Laure was chatting volubly with Bessy Studwick, and, meeting his, remained for a few moments as if fascinated or fixed by his gaze. Later on in the evening, when they were all in the drawing-room, Hester seemed quite excited, and full of forced gaiety, while Laure was brimming with anecdote, chatting more volubly than ever. Before long he was asked to sing, and Hester sat down to the piano. While he was singing in a low, passionate voice some Spanish love song, and those near were listening as if enthralled, Dutch felt his arm touched, and John Studwick motioned him to follow into the back drawing-room, and then, seeing it was impossible to speak there, Dutch led the way into the little dining-room, where, with the rich tones of the Cuban's voice penetrating to where they stood, the invalid, who seemed greatly excited, caught his host by the arm. "Dutch Pugh," he said, "I like you because you're so frank and manly, and that's why I speak. I shan't go out with this expedition if that half Spanish fellow is going too. I hate him. Look how he has been pestering Bessy all the evening. I don't like it. Why did you ask him here?" "My dear fellow," exclaimed Dutch, "be reasonable. You expressed a wish to meet him." "So I did. Yes, so I did, but I don't like him now. I don't like his ways. Pugh, if I was a married man, I would not have that fellow in my house for worlds." "My dear John Studwick," said Dutch, uneasily, "this is foolish. He is a foreigner, and it is his way." "I don't like his way," cried the young man, whose cheeks were flushed and eyes unnaturally bright. "If he won Bessy from me, I should kill him. I was afraid of you once, but that's passed now." "But, my dear boy," said Dutch, laying his hand on his shoulder, "you must expect your sister to form an attachment some day." "Yes, some day," said the young man. "Some day; but let her wait till I'm gone. I couldn't bear to have her taken from me now. She is everything to me." "My dear Studwick, don't talk like that." "Why not?" he replied with a strange look. "Do you think I don't know? I shall only live about six months: nothing will save me." "Nonsense, man! That sea trip will set you right again. Come, let's get back into the drawing-room." He led the way back, and, seeking his opportunity, whispered to Bessy Studwick that her brother was low-spirited, and taking her from the Cuban's side, he made John Studwick happy by bringing her to him.