He showed much anxiety, and, fearing that she found it dull at his studio, when the sisters came to tea he begged her to give him Meason's address. Sally tossed her head; she had had enough of Meason, and her manner left no doubt as to her sincerity. But happening to meet Meason a few days after in the train, Frank slipped easily into asking him to come and see him; and in the easy atmosphere of the studio the acquaintanceship soon ripened into intimacy, and after a preliminary ruffling of plumage, Sally restored her old sweetheart to all the rights of wrong. Life went well amid incessant secrets, letter-writing, and tea parties. Grace came to the studio to lunch sometimes, and she had been betrayed into a promise not to say a word about Meason. It was never ascertained whether, in the indiscretion of the marital night, she had betrayed this trust, or whether some jealous enemy had spoken or written to Mr. Brookes on the subject; but certain it is that one joyful day when Meason, Sally, and Maggie were eating oysters, and Frank was twisting the corkscrew into a bottle of Chablis, there came an ominous ringing at the door. “I wonder who that can be. Shut up, Triss.” “Perhaps it is father.” “He is in London.” “I'm not so sure about that.” “No matter--we don't want to see them.” “Rather not! They wouldn't have known we were here had it not been for that dog.” “I must go and see who it is. Come here, sir; come here, you brute.” “Supposing it is father?” “Get behind that piece of tapestry. I'll say that Meason and I were having some oysters.” “Come here, sir. I'd better tie up that dog--I wonder who it is?” “Open the door.” “Oh! Mr. Brookes, quite an unexpected pleasure.” “I have come, sir, for my daughters.” “Your daughters? Your daughters are not here. Mr. Brookes.” “I have reason to know they are here, and I will not leave without them.” “You will do well to let us in, Mr. Escott; we are determined--” “Who are you? What business is it of yours?” “Should you refuse us admission we are resolved to wait here till evening, till midnight if necessary!” exclaimed Berkins. “I say again you will do well to admit us, and so avoid a scandal on the green.” “You can come in if you like.” “Will you kindly chain up that dog of yours?” “Well, this is coming it too strong; this is a little too 'steep.' If Mr. Brookes refuses to believe my word that his daughters are not here he may come in and look for them, and to facilitate his search I will tie up the dog--(the dog is tied up). But you, what brings you here? What the devil, I should like to know, brings you here, poking your nose into other people's business?” “Mr. Brookes, will you answer him?” “I must decline your offer to admit me unaccompanied by my son-in-law. We shall not stay long.” “All this seems to me very extraordinary, but since you wish it, Mr. Brookes, pray enter.” “Is that dog tied up quite securely?” “Quite. I think you know Mr. Meason?”