He seized a train-book. There was just one chance--Mr. Drayton. His sister had mentioned him, and he felt quite certain that, as he had seen his nieces at Lornbay, he would make his way there again. He would go there and he would manage it. There was no ruin to Mr. Drayton, and no loss of position. Supposing he lost--all the world looked upon him as an amiable fool as regarded business matters. He had no position to lose; it would not be a fall such as his own would be; and there would be no loss. It was only a temporary embarrassment. He rang once more, and Jean saw that he was now in quite his old peremptory, masterful mood. "Let me have something to eat at once, and tell Robert to pack my things again. Why he does not answer my bell I cannot make out. What is the use of him?" "Not knowing you would be home so soon, Robert went to do some messages; but I expect him in in a moment or two. Then I'll not sheet your bed?" She spoke in an inquiring tone; her thrifty soul anxious not to crumple the linen now airing, if not required. "I have to go at once. I am going to Lornbay. I suppose you have no message?" "I'll no trouble you with messages. I aye use my pen when need be," she said, very calmly, and hurried off to get him that something to eat which is never a great difficulty in the hands of an experienced cook. It may be said that she did write to her mistress, as she always called Mrs. Dorriman, that very night, and gave a graphic description of Mr. Sandford's arrival. As frequently is the case, the pith of her letter lay in the postscript. "You will be glad to hear, mem, that, though he was most fashious and pernickity, he was not just very rampageous, and he drank his tea and eat up all the toast," wrote Jean, who had never before known him condescend to such simple fare. After all, Mr. Sandford did not start that night. He reflected, that, as he was anxious, he must not show his anxiety; and also that feeling of indisposition which he did not recognise made him put off his journey till the following day, a postponement which met with Jean's fullest approval. Why people should spend their nights, rumbling and tumbling along, when they might be in their beds, was one of the most surprising things in life to her, and she thought it "wise like" not to do it. But this postponement made one difference, instead of bursting upon them all as a surprise, Mr. Sandford was expected. The trio were alone, and no one, so far as he could ascertain, was staying there interesting to him. Mrs. Dorriman was glad he had come. She was always thankful to share any responsibility; and she thought him looking ill--which fact always softened her towards him.