"She meant it so awfully well. She's always sticking up for you. She says that she likes fair play...." She paused. "So do I," she added with difficulty. "And--and I'm afraid I haven't played fair since--since--well, you know." There was a little silence. The Beggar Man's eyes never left her face, and there was a queer, hungry look in their blueness. "You're not--I suppose you're not trying to tell me that--that you don't hate me so much--after all, eh?" he asked with an effort. She drew back a step in alarm. "I am only trying to tell you that--that I know how much you've done for us all, and that if there was anything--any little thing I could do to please you ..." She faltered and stopped. There was an eloquent silence. "Well--I should like you to kiss me," Forrester said bluntly. He paused. "Or is that too big a thing to ask?" for Faith had put out protesting hands, and he laughed. "It's too much, eh? Oh, all right! Don't bother!" He passed her without another word and walked out of the room whistling. They had quite a merry evening. "Anyone would think Mr. Digby had known us all for years and years," Peg said afterwards to Faith as the girls went up to bed together. "I like him awfully, don't you?" Faith nodded, "Yes." She did like him, but all the evening she had felt vaguely uncomfortable, conscious of his eyes upon her. "I wonder how long he means to stay," she hazarded. "The longer the better," Peg declared bluntly. "If he's here Mr. Forrester will have to be at home." And then, as if scared by some possible admission in her words, she added, "It makes it so much more lively...." Downstairs a little silence had followed the girls' departure, which Peter Digby broke with a half-sigh. "Wish I was married," he said laconically. "I've been looking for a girl like your wife for the last ten years, Nick!" Forrester laughed. "There are plenty of girls in the world," he said. "Yes, but not the right sort," Digby objected. "Where did you meet her?" Forrester coloured slightly. "Oh, it's a long story. I'll tell you some other time." And to change the subject he asked, "What do you think of Peg--Miss Fraser?" Digby hesitated. "Handsome girl," he said at last. "Very different to Mrs. Forrester. Bit of a rough diamond I should think, if you won't be offended with me for saying so." The Beggar Man was lighting a cigarette. He blew a big puff of smoke into the air before he answered with deep earnestness: "She's a rough diamond as you say, but I admire and respect her more than any woman I know. She's got a heart of gold." CHAPTER X Peter Digby seemed to begin a new chapter of life for the entire household. He took it for granted, whether intentionally or in ignorance, that his friend's marriage was a normal one, and proceeded to organize amusements and means of enjoying his stay with them to the full. He booked theatre seats and arranged dinners, and refused to listen when Forrester protested.