He was at Lady Janet's door by ten o'clock the next morning, and sent in his card to Miss Hamilton. He was shown into the drawing-room, where she came to him. 'May I presume on old acquaintance?' he asked, holding out his hand. She looked in his face quietly, took his hand, pressed it warmly, and said, 'No one has so good a right, Mr. Falconer. Do sit down.' He placed a chair for her, and obeyed. After a moment's silence on both sides: 'Are you aware, Miss--?' he said and hesitated. 'Miss Hamilton,' she said with a smile. 'I was Miss Lindsay when you knew me so many years ago. I will explain presently.' Then with an air of expectation she awaited the finish of his sentence. 'Are you aware, Miss Hamilton, that I am Major Moray's oldest friend?' 'I am quite aware of it, and delighted to know it. He told me so last night.' Somewhat dismayed at this answer, Falconer resumed, 'Did Major Moray likewise communicate with you concerning his own history?' 'He did. He told me all.' Falconer was again silent for some moments. 'Shall I be presuming too far if I venture to conclude that my friend will not continue his visits?' 'On the contrary,' she answered, with the same delicate blush that in old times used to overspread the lovely whiteness of her face, 'I expect him within half-an-hour.' 'Then there is no time to be lost,' thought Falconer. 'Without presuming to express any opinion of my own,' he said quietly, 'a social code far less severe than that which prevails in England, would take for granted that an impassable barrier existed between Major Moray and Miss Hamilton.' 'Do not suppose, Mr. Falconer, that I could not meet Major Moray's honesty with equal openness on my side.' Falconer, for the first time almost in his life, was incapable of speech from bewilderment. But Miss Hamilton did not in the least enjoy his perplexity, and made haste to rescue both him and herself. With a blush that was now deep as any rose, she resumed,