Peter thought of asking the country doctor who happened to be one of the guests to come and see the girl. He was more than afraid that her brain was affected; but instead he took a chair and sat down by her side. "Come, tell me what is troubling you," he said quietly. "It's just my dream come true. I've been ungrateful and horrid and have turned my back on my best friend. But it gave me such a start to see him." And then between her sobs Meg told Peter of the shock she had had in the morning, and of the realization of her suspicions while she was singing her song. Peter was quite at a loss how to act. Was the girl dreaming? Or was it true, and if true what was to be done? "I'll send Elsie here with some tea," he said. Meg sprang from her seat. "I can't stay here alone," she cried. "Jem may find me and I'm just ashamed to meet him. I'll go to my room." Peter went in search of Sheila and of Miss Gregson; but the former was too put out with Meg to listen to his story, and Miss Gregson was not to be found; so he decided to wait till the morning to talk the matter over. CHAPTER XV REPULSED JEM had been listening to Meg with rapt attention as she sang her songs. He could hardly believe that the girl standing so quietly on the platform dressed in that green shimmering dress, and surrounded by all the rank and fashion of the neighbourhood, was the same with whom he had sat out the storm and to whom he had spoken of marriage on the heath two years ago. He remembered her soft laugh as he had mentioned the subject that day, and how quickly she had stifled it on seeing it hurt him. But if she laughed then, when he had all to give her and she had nothing, what would she do now? It was during the intervals that these bitter thoughts crowded across his mind. While the girl was actually singing he could think of nothing but her and her song. He loved her so that he wondered that she did not feel him even right away on the platform. Had Meg looked at him as he was looking at her he knew she would be conscious of the fact. Perhaps if he looked long enough her eyes might be drawn towards him. When her first song was finished and she had disappeared, the time dragged. So long were the minutes, that he began to wonder if she were going to sing again or if his chance of watching her was over. He could hardly bear the thought of this. How he was to endure the fact that she was at Friars Court, within a mile or two of the town in which he lived, without seeing her or speaking to her, he did not know. But as these thoughts coursed through his mind he heard a loud clapping and once more Meg stood before him. Her eyes were shining and a happy smile played about her lips.