A man was standing by the window looking into the garden; he was a rather short, thick-set man, and he turned eagerly as Faith entered. "Mrs. Forrester?" he asked. "Well, I am glad to meet you. I've known Nicholas all my life, or for a good part of it," he explained in a rather young and charming voice. "We were abroad together for some years, so, of course, he was the first person I looked up when I got over here." He wrung her hand in a bear-like grip. "So the old boy's married," he went on. "Well, I'm delighted, and though I know it's not the right thing to do, I'm going to congratulate you instead of him, Mrs. Forrester. You've got one of the best." Faith smiled nervously. "You're very kind," she said. "He--he's out, but--but if you'll wait I'm sure he won't be long." "I'm sure he won't, too," the man said laughing. "With a home like this to come to, and a wife...." His eyes rested admiringly on her face. "But Nicholas was always one of the lucky ones." He was very friendly and unaffected, and Faith was surprised because she did not feel less at her ease, but she wished Peg would come down; Peg could always be relied upon to chip in and keep the ball of conversation going. She was wondering whether to fetch her when the door opened and Forrester himself walked in. "Digby! Jove, I am glad to see you." The two men gripped hands and thumped one another on the back like delighted schoolboys. Faith had never seen her husband look so pleased before. She felt the slightest pang of envy and unwantedness as she stood there, forgotten for the moment, as they laughed and talked and questioned one another as to the happenings of the years since they had last met. "And you'll stay with me, of course?" Forrester said. "I'd take it as a deadly insult if you went anywhere else. I----" He suddenly remembered Faith and turned to her. "My wife will be delighted to welcome you, I'm sure," he said rather formally. "Mrs. Forrester has been most kind," Digby said. He slapped his friend on the back again heartily. "Lucky dog! All the good things of life fall your way." The Beggar Man laughed. "That is a compliment for you, Faith," he said. Afterwards when for a moment they were alone he questioned her rather anxiously. "You don't mind him staying here? He's my best friend, and we haven't met for years! He won't be any trouble. He's a fine chap!" "Of course I don't mind." She avoided his eyes. "Peg was giving me a lecture only this evening about you! She said I did nothing for you in return for all you've done for us. She said that I ought to entertain your friends." She laughed rather sadly. "You know I can't do anything like that properly, don't you?" A little gleam crept into his eyes. "You could do all that I want in that way," he said. "But it's not Peg's place to lecture you," he added hardily. Faith rushed to Peg's defence.