'But, I say, what's happened, Peggy?' Of another's sin it seems no such great crime to take advantage. 'Everything,' said Peggy, with a comprehensive wave of her arms. 'Everything, Tommy!' 'They've fixed it up?' he asked eagerly. 'If you don't feel disgraced by putting it like that--they have,' said Peggy, breaking into glad laughter again. He rose and came near to her. 'And what are we going to do?' he inquired. Peggy regarded him with eyes professedly judicial, though mischief and mockery lurked in them. 'As I don't think it's the least use waiting for them, I suggest that we go and have some dinner,' she said. 'That's not a bad idea,' agreed Tommy. He turned quietly, took up his hat and stick, and went out into the passage; Peggy stayed a minute to put on a hat and jacket. She came out to join him then, treading softly and with her linger on her lips. Tommy nodded understanding, took hold of the handle of the baize door, and made way for her to pass. His air was decorous and friendly. Peggy looked at him, immeasurable amusement nestling in her eyes. As she passed, she flung one arm lightly about his neck and kissed him. 'Just to celebrate the event!' she whispered. Tommy followed her downstairs with heart aglow. CHAPTER XXV RECONCILIATION Barslett: Sept. 13. MY DEAREST SARAH,--I know how much you value my letters. I know more--how valuable my letters are to you. Only by letter (as I've mentioned before) can I come near telling you the truth. In your presence, no! For aren't you, your dear old stately self, in the end, a--(so glad there are hundreds of miles between us!)--a splendid semi-mendacity?