Monica made no reply. Then she made a move towards the house, and quiet talk was for the time postponed. Sidney appeared when the evening meal was ready. She wore a simple white gown. She might be thin, and her face somewhat transparent, but the flush on her cheeks and light in her eyes made her look very radiant. Randolph could hardly keep his eyes off her, but he was led to talk of his experiences, and he had a good deal of interesting news to give, so that Sidney lost her momentary fit of self-consciousness and was an eager listener. Young George Lockhart had got promotion besides himself, and had already written to Gavine to ask her to come out and share his life. "He's as steady as a rock now," said Randolph, "and has a good future in front of him. I hope she is the kind of girl to be a help to him." "She will be a tremendous help to him if she goes," said Sidney warmly. And then, with a little hesitation, Randolph said: "I came down here with a Major Hughes and his wife. He used to live in this neighbourhood, did he not? They're visiting the Woods. We got into conversation. I knew her before she married." His eyes never left his plate as he spoke. He felt, much as he longed to meet Sidney's eyes as he hurled this bolt upon her, that it would be more honourable on his part not to do so. Sidney's tone was easy and assured. "Yes; Archie Hughes is an old friend. I thought he was still in India." "His wife was ordered home by doctors, so he has come with her to spend his long leave." "You never told me that you knew his wife," said Monica, eyeing him anxiously. "Did I not? I used to be often at her father's house in town." Sidney was slightly distrait for the rest of the meal. But when it was over, Monica asked her to show Randolph some new farm buildings which had been erected since he had been there. "They were a good investment," said Monica quietly, "though I shan't have the use of them much longer. I am putting up the place for sale shortly." Randolph walked out into the sweet evening air, feeling that his opportunity was close at hand. What were farm buildings to him when Sidney was by his side? How hungrily he had longed for the sound of her voice, the sight of her smile, in those distant lands which had held him! Sidney trod lightly by his side. "What is Mrs. Hughes like?" she asked. "She looks ill and worn now, but she used to be a pretty girl when I knew her." Then, in rather a stern tone, he added: "She was engaged to be married to me before she went out to India." Sidney drew her breath in sharply. "And I was engaged to him," she said simply, "or thought I was." They were crossing the old orchard. He turned round quickly, and, before Sidney realised it, both her hands were imprisoned in his. "Isn't it a remarkable thing that the two who wrought havoc in our lives should be brought before us, to-night of all nights?" "Why?" asked Sidney gently.