Estcoit glanced at her, a humorous look hovering about his thin lips; and at the same instant Gore was conscious of a sudden wave of brotherly affection. But Deerehurst showed no embarrassment. He turned to the fireplace, pressed the bell, then looked round again upon the little group. "Hallo, Gore!" he said carelessly. "I thought you were killing salmon at the home of the ancestors. How d'you do, Mr. Estcoit?" He nodded to the young American; then moved away again to where Clodagh sat. "What a dreadful afternoon!" he said. "Why haven't you changed into something lighter?" He glanced at her riding habit. She blushed and looked up hastily. "We have just been saying what a glorious afternoon! But I don't think you have met Mrs. and Miss Estcoit. Let me introduce you! Lord Deerehurst, Mrs. Estcoit!" Both ladies bowed, and Mrs. Estcoit broke at once into an unaffected flow of talk, to which Deerehurst listened with polite interest, smiling now and then, and occasionally raising his eyeglass. At last, as she paused, he looked at her in faint curiosity. "And you really find an interest in England?" he asked. She gave a bright, cordial laugh--a laugh that seemed to testify to the perennial youth of her countrywomen. "This is the twenty-first visit I've paid to England," she said, "and I love it more every time. When my son turns me out of my home in Boston, I shall buy one of your country places--as a dower-house!" Again she laughed, casting an affectionate glance towards Nance and Estcoit! "But, Clodagh, we really must fly. Good-bye, Lord Deerehurst! Delighted to have met you!" She rose gracefully, shook hands with the old peer, and turning to Clodagh, took both her hands and kissed her warmly. "Good-bye!" she said--"good-bye! It has been perfectly charming!" Clodagh smiled a quick response. "Indeed it has--for me. Don't forget to-morrow night!" "Forget! Why, I'm existing to see that play! Come, Daisy!" She turned to her daughter, who had joined the group at the tea-table. "Pierce, are you ready? Good-bye, Nance! Come with us to the elevator?" Nance crossed the room readily, while Estcoit shook hands with Clodagh. "Good-bye!" he said. "I shall see you to-morrow night--if not sooner." She pressed his hand warmly. "Make it sooner!" she said. And they both laughed, after the manner of people who understand and like each other. The momentary departure of Nance, left Clodagh, Gore, and Deerehurst the sole occupants of the room. After Estcoit had closed the door there was a faint pause; and in that pause Clodagh was a prey to conflicting feelings--passionate hope that Deerehurst might see fit to go, passionate fear that Gore might leave before they could have a word in private. And while her mind swayed between hope and fear, Deerehurst drew forward a chair, and seated himself beside her.