'Yes, we can put all this straight directly. But----' There was the first hint of embarrassment in his manner. 'But what?' asked Trix. He had no chance to answer her. 'Yes, yes!' burst from Peggy in triumphant understanding. She ran across to Tommy and caught him by the arm. 'There's only my room, but that must do for once,' she cried. 'What? What do you mean?' he inquired. 'Peggy's right,' said Airey, smiling. There was no doubt that he felt equal to the situation. He seemed a new man to Peggy, and her heart grew warm; even Tommy looked at him with altered eyes. 'The fact is, Tommy,' said Airey easily, 'I think I can explain this better to Mrs. Trevalla if you leave us alone.' Trix's head was raised; her eyes leapt to meet his. She did not yet understand--her idea of him was too deep-rooted. It was trust that her eyes spoke, not understanding. 'Leave us alone,' said Airey Newton. Peggy beckoned to Tommy, and herself made towards the door. As she passed Airey, he smiled at her. 'All right!' he whispered again. Then Peggy knew. She ran into the passage and thence to her room. Tommy followed, amazed and rather rueful. 'We must wait here. You may smoke,' said she kindly; but she added eagerly, 'and so will I.' 'But, I say, Peggy----' 'Wasn't it just splendid that he should come then?' 'Capital for us! But he did it, you know!' Tommy's tone was awestruck. 'Why, of course he did it, Tommy.' 'Then, in my opinion, he's in for a precious nasty quarter of an hour.' Peggy plumped down on the bed, and her laugh rang out in mellow gentleness again. 'Doesn't it strike you that she might forgive him what she wouldn't forgive us?' she asked. 'By Jove! Because she's in love with him?' 'Oh, I suppose that's not a reason for forgiveness with everybody,' murmured Peggy, smoking hard. CHAPTER XXIV TO THE SOUL SHOP With the departure of the other two, Trix's tempestuousness finally left her; it had worn itself out--and her. She sat very quiet, watching Airey Newton with a look that was saved from forlorn despair only by a sort of appeal; it witnessed to a hope which smouldered still, and might burn again if he would fan it. A sense of great physical fatigue was on her; she lay back in a collapse of energy, her head resting against the chair, her hands relaxed and idle on the arms of it.