Tod, still grasping the proffered chair, saw her hold out her hand to the clergyman, who moved his in response and then suddenly faltered, paused, and withdrew his hand. Mrs. Vernley, teapot in action, held it suspended. Mr. Ribble seemed intent on selecting a cake. John, Bobbie, Tod and Mr. Vernley were transfixed, waiting the blow. Surely the fellow would not be so insane, so incredibly rude, thought Mrs. Vernley. He would not dare! Mr. Crimp was speaking in a hollow, affected voice. "The lady's face is familiar to me--in circumstances I do not care to recall," he said stiffly. The blow had fallen. It was followed with a painful silence. How would she take it? With suspended breath, John, his heart aching, watched her. Yes, she was superb, and dignity did not desert her. Her face was calm; there was no sign of surprise, not even embarrassment--perhaps this scene was not new to her. She looked at Mr. Crimp, the ugly little man puffed out in his asserted dignity. "I'm sorry," she said, "to awaken your unpleasant memories. I will retire." She turned to go. "Julie, dear," cried Mrs. Vernley, putting down the teapot and rising suddenly to intercept her, "you mustn't listen to--" "You cad!" blazed Tod, turning on the clergyman, who had gone pale. "Really, sir, after insulting my guest I must ask you to retire." Mr. Vernley's voice hardly restrained its anger. "If there is any insult, it is I who have suffered," replied Mr. Crimp. "The dignity of my calling--" "Damn your calling!" cried Tod. "Sir!" flared Mr. Crimp. "Tod, be quiet," pleaded Mrs. Vernley. Mrs. Graham had now reached the door, Mrs. Vernley following, but John was there first and opened it. "Leave me dear, please," said Mrs. Graham, turning, and the other woman saw how it was with her and stopped. Mrs. Graham passed out; John following, closed the door. He had not meant to follow her but in his confusion he had closed the door and shut himself out with her. Mrs. Graham looked at him half blindly, he thought. He dropped his hand from the handle, and followed her into the hall. "Mrs. Graham," he called, "I--I'm--" but his lip trembled and the words choked him. She paused at the foot of the stairs, then impulsively caught his outstretched hand, and pressed it. "You dear boy--I know, I know!" she cried, holding his hand for a moment, and then swiftly she mounted the stairs. John watched her go, the blood singing in his ears. He heard her bedroom door close, and then silence. He turned and looked at the drawing-room door. What was happening in there? As if in answer, it opened and the Rev. Crimp emerged, alone, closing it after him with a bang. For a moment he paused in the hall, flushed, uncertain which way to turn, then, seizing his hat from the hall stand, he hurried out. When the door banged and he was gone, John started. His brow was damp with perspiration and he was trembling. Tod came out. "Come in, Scissors, and finish your tea."