"Take my word for it. Wornock will come back again when he's tired of Africa--and propose again." "Not if he has a grain of sense. Young men don't come back to girls who treat them badly." The General took things easily. He had his daughter, and his daughter would be comfortably provided for when his day was done. He was more than content with the present arrangement of things; and he felt that Providence had been very good to him. * * * * * Suzette came in upon Mrs. Wornock's loneliness that rainy afternoon like a sudden burst of sunlight; so fresh, after her walk through the rain, so daintily neat in the pretty blue-and-white pongee frock which her waterproof cloak had preserved from all harm. "I did not think you would come to-day, dear!" "Did you think the rain would frighten me? The walk was lovely in spite of a persistent drizzle, the woods are so fresh and sweet, and every little insignificant wild-flower sparkles like a jewel. I have a tiny bit of news for you." "Not bad news?" "No, I hope not. Lady Emily is at Beechhurst. She came late last night. The cook at the Vicarage saw her arrive, and Bessie Edgefield told me this morning. Do you think it means that Allan is expected home?" "And Geoffrey with him? Would to God it meant that! I am getting very weak Suzette, weary to death. My anxiety is like a wearing, physical pain. It is so long since we have heard anything of them." "Yes, it seems very long!" Suzette murmured, soothingly. "It _is_ very long--quite four months since I had Geoffrey's last letter!" "Do you think it is really as much as that?" "I know it is--and there is the post-mark to convince you," glancing at the secretaire where she kept those treasured letters. "Geoffrey seldom dates a letter. I have read this last one again and again and again. They were at Ujiji--the place seemed almost civilized, as he described it; but they were to cross the lake later on--the great lake, like an inland sea--to cross in an open boat. How do I know that they were not drowned in that crossing? He told me the natives were afraid of going on the lake in a storm. And he is so foolhardy, so careless of himself! He may have over-persuaded them----" "Hark!" cried Suzette, "a visitor! What a day for callers to choose! They must really wish to find you at home." There was the usual delay caused by the leisurely stroll of a footman from the servants' quarters to the hall-door, and then the door of the music-room was opened, and the leisurely butler announced Lady Emily Carew.