Why had Miss Derwent disregarded him at breakfast? He must have offended her last night. And that could only be in one way, by neglecting his work to loiter about the drawing-room. She had respected him at all events; now, no doubt she fancied he had not deserved her respect. This magnificent piece of self-torturing logic sufficed to occupy him all the morning. At luncheon-time he was careful not to come down before the bell rang. As he prepared himself, the glass showed a drawn visage, heavy eyes; he thought he was uglier than ever. Descending, he heard no voices. With tremors he stepped into the dining-room, and there sat Mrs. Hannaford alone. "They have gone off for the day," she said, with a kind look. "To Dorking, and Leith Hill, and I don't know where." Piers felt a stab through the heart. He stammered something about a hope that they would enjoy themselves. The meal passed very silently, for Mrs. Hannaford was meditative. She paid unusual attention to Piers, trying to tempt his appetite; but with difficulty he swallowed a mouthful. And, the meal over, he returned at once to his room. About four o'clock--he was lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling--a knock aroused him. The servant opened the door. "A gentleman wanting to see you, sir--Mr. Daniel Otway." Piers was glad. He would have welcomed any visitor. When Daniel--who was better dressed than the other day--came into the room, Piers shook hands warmly with him. "Delightful spot!" exclaimed the elder, with more than his accustomed suavity. "Charming little house!--I hope I shan't be wasting your time?" "Of course not. We shall have some tea presently. How glad I am to see you!--I must introduce you to Mrs. Hannaford." "Delighted, my dear boy! How well you look!--stop though; you are _not_ looking very well----" Piers broke into extravagant gaiety. CHAPTER VI There had only been time to satisfy Daniel's profound and touching interest in his brother's work for the examination when the tea bell rang, and they went down to the drawing-room. Piers noticed that Mrs. Hannaford had made a special toilet; so rarely did a new acquaintance enter the house that she was a little fluttered in receiving Daniel Otway, whose manners evidently impressed and pleased her. Had he known his brother well, Piers would have understood that this exhibition of fine courtesy meant a peculiar interest on Daniel's part. Such interest was not difficult to excite; there needed only an agreeable woman's face of a type not familiar to him, in circumstances which offered the chance of intimacy. And Mrs. Hannaford, as it happened, made peculiar appeal to Daniel's sensibilities. As they conversed, her thin cheeks grew warm, her eyes gathered light; she unfolded a charm of personality barely to be divined in her usual despondent mood.