‘It is not often I am so forgetful,’ muttered he; ‘but so it is, our cousinship has done it all, Maude. One revels in expansiveness with his own, and I can speak to you as I cannot speak to another.’ ‘It is a great flattery to me.’ ‘In fact, I feel that at last I have a sister--a dear and loving spirit who will give to true friendship those delightful traits of pity and tenderness, and even forgiveness, of which only the woman’s nature can know the needs.’ Lady Maude rose slowly, without a word. Nothing of heightened colour or movement of her features indicated anger or indignation, and though Walpole stood with an affected submissiveness before her, he marked her closely. ‘I am sure, Maude,’ continued he, ‘you must often have wished to have a brother.’ ‘Never so much as at this moment!’ said she calmly--and now she had reached the door. ‘If I had had a brother, Cecil Walpole, it is possible I might have been spared this insult!’ The next moment the door closed, and Walpole was alone. CHAPTER LXVI ATLEE’S MESSAGE ‘I am right, Maude,’ said Lord Danesbury as his niece re-entered the drawing-room. ‘This is from Atlee, who is at Athens; but why there I cannot make out as yet. There are, according to the book, two explanations here. 491 means a white dromedary or the chief clerk, and B + 49 = 12 stands for our envoy in Greece or a snuffer-dish.’ ‘Don’t you think, my lord, it would be better for you to send this up to Cecil? He has just come in. He has had much experience of these things.’ ‘You are quite right, Maude; let Fenton take it up and beg for a speedy transcript of it. I should like to see it at once!’ While his lordship waited for his despatch, he grumbled away about everything that occurred to him, and even, at last, about the presence of the very man, Walpole, who was at that same moment engaged in serving him. ‘Stupid fellow,’ muttered he, ‘why does he ask for extension of his leave? Staying in town here is only another name for spending money. He’ll have to go out at last; better do it at once!’ ‘He may have his own reasons, my lord, for delay,’ said Maude, rather to suggest further discussion of the point.