"Worth—?" queried Felix, with an involuntary reference to £ s. d. after the habit of his mind. "It is worth uncle's love and kindness," Lettice said softly, with an eloquent look. "I wonder when you expect her to wear it!" Theodosia spoke sharply. "Opportunities will offer," said the Doctor. Theodosia curled her lip. Felix had brought no present. Instead of baying a birthday-gift, he had begged one, and with all her willingness, Lettice was keenly alive to the distinction. Yet on the whole the day passed happily. No persuasions could induce Felix to stay over the night, and indeed, say what the Doctor and Lettice might, Theodosia's manner was not encouraging: but he remained till a late hour in the afternoon. Lettice took him about the place, talked to him of her interests, listened to all he had to say, and did to some extent thaw the crust of self-absorption fast forming over his being. Only, would it remain thawed, away from the softening influence? They saw little of Theodosia, until afternoon tea. She gave her husband a bad quarter of an hour, on the score of the bracelet, and he endured the same with man-like philosophy. What was the use of minding? He had done what he considered to be right, and Theodosia was unreasonably angry. Sooner or later she would come round; and meanwhile he had his study. To that haven, he retired; and into it, for an hour, he invited the brother and sister after lunch, making a pleasant impression on the young man, despite early prejudices. "Really, he is not half bad," declared Felix, on emerging from the elderly man's "den." "Maurice." "Yes, my dear." "I must have a cheque for eighteen pounds, if you please." Dr. Bryant lifted his eyebrows. "It's no use your looking like that. I told you yesterday." "Fifteen, I think you said you might require." "Well, I find it must be eighteen. My London dressmaker's bill has come to more than I expected." "I hope the cows and swallows admire results," murmured the Doctor. "I don't wish to be a scarecrow, if there is no one to see, in this horrible place." Theodosia was offended still about the bracelet, and when offended, she was always tart. "Certainly not," assented Dr. Bryant. He opened his purse, took out a £20 Bank of England note, and placed it in her hand. "That will cover your necessities," he said. "Thanks. I shall manage now." The two extra pounds were perhaps meant as a peace-offering, and Theodosia was grateful for them; yet she could not recover her equilibrium. Each time that her thoughts recurred to the exquisite bracelet, "flung away on that stupid girl," as she phrased it, her anger flamed up afresh—partly against her husband, and much more against Lettice. Evidently Lettice had an increasing hold upon Dr. Bryant's affections, and who could say what this might lead to, in the matter of will-making?