We walked silently into the parlour, and I closed the door. "Slife!" cried Courtenay, "she's a vision. What say you, Philip? And I might see her in that guise again, egad, I would forgive Tom his five hundred crowns!" "A buxom vision," agreed my cousin, "but I vow I like 'em so." He had forgotten his cold. "This conversation is all of a piece with the rest of your conduct," said I, hotly. The candles were burning brightly in the sconces. The doctor walked to the glass, took snuff, and burnished his waistcoat before he answered. "Sure, a fortune lies under every virtue we assume," he recited. "But she is not for you, Richard," says he, tapping his box. "Mr. Carvel, if you please," I replied. I felt the demon within me. But I had the sense to realize that a quarrel with Dr. Courtenay, under the circumstances, would be far from wise. He had no intention of quarrelling, however. He made me a grand bow. "Mr. Carvel, your very obedient. Hereafter I shall know better than to forget myself with an overseer." And he gave me his back. "What say you to a game of billiards, Philip?" Philip seemed glad to escape. And soon I heard their voices, mingling with the click of the balls. There followed for me one of the bitterest half hours I have had in my life. Then Patty opened the hall door. "Will you come in for a moment, Richard?" she said, quite calmly. I followed her, wondering at the masterful spirit she had shown. For there was Tom all askew in his chair, his feet one way and his hands another, totally subdued. What was most to the point, he made me an elaborate apology. How she had sobered his mind I know not. His body was as helpless as the day he was born. Long before the guests thought of rising the next morning, Patty came to me as I was having the mare saddled. The sun was up, and the clouds were being chased, like miscreants who have played their prank, and were now running for it. The sharp air brought the red into her cheeks. And for the first time in her life with me she showed shyness. She glanced up into my face, and then down at the leaves running on the ground. "I hope they will go to-day," said she, when I was ready to mount. I began to tighten the girths, venting my feelings on Firefly until the animal swung around and made a vicious pass at my arm. "Richard!" "Yes." "You will not worry over that senseless speech of Tom's?" "I see it in a properer light now, Patty," I replied. "I usually do--in the morning." She sighed. "You are so--high-strung," she said, "I was afraid you would--" "I would--?" She did not answer until I had repeated. "I was very silly," she said slowly, her colour mounting even higher," I was afraid that you would--leave us." Stroking the mare's neck, and with a little halt in her voice, "I do not know what we should do without you."