"We are hoping," he said, "that the new wing will be completed by the end of June, and it is expected that the Parish Council will request Lady Studley to be good enough to declare it open." He looked at Dinah with the words, and she realized their significance with a sharp shock. "Oh, do you mean me?" she said. "I don't think I could." "It wouldn't be a very difficult business," said Scott reassuringly. "Oh, I couldn't!" she said. "Why--why, there would be crowds of people, wouldn't there?" "I hope to get a few of the County," said Mr. Grey, "to support you." "That makes it worse," said Dinah. Scott laughed. "Eustace and I will come too and take care of you. You see, the Lady of the Manor has to do these tiresome things." "Oh! I'll come if you want me," said Dinah. "But I've never done anything like that before and I can't think what the County will say. You see, I don't belong." "Snap your fingers in its face, and it won't bite you!" said Eustace. "You will belong by that time." Mr. Grey smiled a very kindly smile that had in it a touch of compassion. He said nothing, but in a few minutes he rose to take his leave, and then, with Dinah's hand held for a moment in his, he said in a low voice, "I wish I might enlist your sympathy on behalf of one of my parishioners. His wife is dying of cancer, and he is to be sent to gaol for poaching." "Oh!" Dinah exclaimed in distress. She looked quickly across at her _fiancé_, and saw that his brow was dark. He said nothing whatever, and she went to him impulsively. "Eustace, must you send him to prison?" He looked at her for a second, then turned, without responding, to the Vicar. "That was a very unnecessary move on your part, sir," he said icily. "I have told you my decision in the matter, and there it must rest. Justice is justice." Dinah was looking at him very pleadingly; he laid his hand upon her arm, and she felt his fingers close with a strong, restraining pressure. Mr. Grey turned to go. "I make no excuse, Sir Eustace," he said. "I am begging for mercy, not justice. My cause is urgent. If one weapon fails, I must employ another." He went out with Scott, and Dinah was left alone with Sir Eustace. He spoke at once, sternly and briefly, before she had time to open her lips. "Dinah, this is no matter for your interference. I forbid you to pursue it any further." His tone was crushingly absolute; she saw that he was white with anger. She felt the colour die out of her own cheeks as she faced him. But the Vicar's few words had made a deep impression upon her; she forced back her fear. "But, Eustace, is it true?" she said. "Is the man's wife really dying? If so--if so--surely you will let him off!" His grasp upon her arm tightened. "Are you going to disobey me?" he said warningly. His look was terrible, but she braved it. "Yes--yes, I am," she said, with desperate courage. "Eustace, I've never asked you to do anything before. Couldn't you--can't you--do this one thing?"