For a little while she succeeded in keeping the conversation general, but as Eileen grew more and more dreamy, and Jack silent, she finally tossed her head, told them they were the dullest pair she had ever the misfortune to be out with, and went for a walk along the front with Ted. Meanwhile, left to themselves, Jack again introduced a certain topic constantly in his mind. “The Blakes came back to-day,” he said suddenly; “they crossed last night.” Eileen gave a little start, and was silent a moment. “How do you know?” she asked at last. “Barrett, at the station, told me they were in the boat train.” “How many of them?” trying to speak naturally. “All, Mrs Blake, Kathleen, Doreen, and Lawrence.” There was a pause, then he added, “I suppose Lawrence has just come to settle them in.” Eileen remained silent. The news had taken her by surprise, as she had not expected them for a week or two, and she felt her pulses throbbing oddly. Then an unaccountable presentiment that Lawrence was somewhere near took possession of her, and, making some excuse about feeling cold, she got up to follow Paddy and Ted Masterman along the front. Jack, wishing very much to remain as they were, was obliged to get up also, and they walked briskly in the direction of Rostrevor. They had not gone far before Eileen caught her breath a little, at the sight of two figures coming toward them. Nearer they came and nearer, the girl chatting merrily, and the man listening with languid amusement. Eileen felt herself watching—watching—for the upward glance, the recognition, the pleased greeting. They were almost together now—he looked up—the recognition came instantly, but a second later, Lawrence Blake had raised his hat and passed on with a bow. CHAPTER VI Lawrence Blake. While Paddy and Jack were sitting on the table a week previously, swinging their feet and discussing the news of the Blakes’ home-coming, just brought by Aunt Mary and Aunt Jane, Lawrence Blake, in his own special sanctum in Cadogan Place, lounged in a big arm-chair, and considered the interesting subject of his own boredom. He was particularly bored with his mother and his two sisters. Having seen a good deal of them in the last three years, he was anxious for a spell of existence without them.