The room was dimly lit, and there was not much light upon the painting, but that was of no consequence to Laurence Wynne. He, however, took his stand before it, glanced at it, and then, turning to his companion, said gravely, “All right. I’ve come to answer your letter in _person_.” “Laurence! I never knew of such madness! Talk of my going to your chambers--it was nothing; but for you to venture here----” and her eyes and gesture became tragic. “Positively, when I saw you walk in, I felt on the point of fainting.” “I am glad, however, that you did not get _beyond_ that point. I was surprised to see your father so well; after your account of him----” “Oh, that was written more than a fortnight ago; he is much better--but weather bound--on account of the snow in the south. “Well, yes; and your letter was overlooked, and not forwarded. I’ve been away on circuit.” “I believe you don’t care whether I never write to you or not; nor to hear what I’m doing?” “Oh, but, you know, I am always well posted in the society papers.” “Society papers!” “Yes; I see them at my club. Besides, I can actually rise to a couple of sixpences a week--and I read how the lovely Miss West was at a ball, looking very smart in straw colour; or had been observed at church parade wearing her new sables; or shopping in Bond Street, looking very bright and happy; or--at--the theatre glorified in diamonds and gold embroideries. However, I have at last made your father’s acquaintance; he does not seem to be such a terrible ogre! You may have noticed how pleasant he was to me; we got on like a house on fire. I do not think that your disclosure will have the awful consequence you anticipate, and I am perfectly confident that it will be attended with no ill effects as regards his health. I am sure you have taken a wrong estimate of his character. He may fly into a passion just at first--I fancy you may expect _that_--but he will calm down, and we shall all be very good friends; and I am certain he will be delighted with Harry.” “I am not at all so sanguine as to that,” returned his wife dubiously; “and you have not yet told me, Laurence--and we have no time to lose--_what_ has brought you here?”