Katherine was familiar with the names and characteristics of all the guests, for had she not written their invitations and read their answers? Did she not type the cards which slipped into the little plates on their doors, and those for their places at dinner?--And on Saturday night a message came for her that she was to print two more, and go immediately to Bronson with a fresh arrangement of the table, as two extra men were going to turn up by motor at the last moment, guardsmen quartered at Windsor. She was coming from the dining-room down the passage which led to her staircase, and also the smoking-room, when Gerard emerged from there, and met her at the foot of the stairs. He put out his hand with cordial friendliness, while he cried gaily: "At last I can greet you!--I would not go to dress on purpose, because I saw you rush down the passage, and I knew you would have to come back--It is good to see you again!" She answered suitably and would have passed on, only he barred the way. "I thought you were going to let me be a friend," he said reproachfully, "and here you snub me at once and want to run away." "No--but you will be late." "I care not a jot!--When can I possibly see you to-morrow?" His eyes began to grow hungry; he was taking in the subtle improvement in her--which had happened even in these few months. His interest in her had not diminished, he discovered, much as he had hoped that he had crushed it to within bounds. "I cannot say--in church, I suppose." "That is small comfort! May I not come up the stairs just for half an hour before lunch?" "Yes, if you find it possible--remember, I trust you not to do anything unwise." "I promise--if you prefer it, I will ask my aunt's permission." "Do as you think best--but now I must go. Good-night!" He took her hand and kissed it--his lips were burning. Then he watched her as she went up the stairs, never looking back. And a sudden anguish came over him. How hopeless the whole thing was! He had better not have relied upon his self-command, and have stayed away. He did not go to church on the Sunday. Katherine rather wondered at this, as she walked back alone across the park. In the country, Lady Garribardine expected the inmates of her house to be very orthodox. The fine spring wind had blown two faint pink roses into her cheeks, by the time she reached the schoolroom, and there found Mr. Strobridge seated in her favourite armchair reading a book! He rose eagerly as she entered, but he did not shake hands. "I thought possession would be nine points of the law, so I ensconced myself here, and awaited you, and I am going to stay until you turn me out." "Very well--that will be at ten minutes to one--at five minutes to, Thomas comes to lay the table for my lunch." "That gives us just under half an hour--Katherine, you beautiful thing, let me look at you!" And now he took both her hands and pulled her to the light.