She was rewarded for thus conquering her prejudice. Harry was at home, and accepted her invitation with most respectful alacrity. His manners--especially on paper--were, with old and young ladies, always equally perfect--unless he was out of temper. Mrs. Wyburn eagerly hoped Harry would see Valentia, or somehow convey to her about the letter, because it would be sure to make her uneasy also. * * * * * The next day the young man was punctual to the moment. The old lady left him alone for a few minutes in the dark, dismal drawing-room. She thought it would have a salutary effect. She found him, when she came in, stroking the china bird, and looking at himself in the mirror above it. He received her with such charming grace that she felt almost disconcerted, and as if she ought to apologise. "You received my letter?" she said, rather abruptly. "With great pleasure. That is why I am here." He was still standing, smiling delightfully. "Sit down," she said, with cold graciousness. "I hope you are not in a great hurry?" "All my day belongs to you," he replied with a low bow, taking the seat she had indicated. He looked at her with soft deference under his long eyelashes. She found what she had to say more difficult than she had expected. She spoke quietly, in a low yet rasping voice, with a sharp dignity. "I will come straight to the point. To put it plainly, a report has reached my ears, Mr. de Freyne, which has caused me very great pain and anxiety--I mean, as a mother. And I wondered whether you----" "As a mother? Surely, Mrs. Wyburn, nothing against Romer? I'm sure I, as one of his oldest friends...." "Against Romer!" She drew herself up stiffly. "Most certainly not! There's never been a word breathed otherwise than in dear Romer's favour since he was a little boy." Harry appeared much relieved. "It's a great comfort to hear you say that. It's only what I was going to assure you." "Besides, do you suppose for one moment that if I had any fault to find with my son I should send for you?" She already had an annoying fancy that he was defeating her, laughing at her, and turning the tables. "It seemed certainly rather strange," Harry said. "No, indeed! When I say I was troubled as a mother, I meant it in a very different sense. What I'm afraid of is that dear Romer might be worried if he heard the report to which I refer." "And that is?..." She looked at him spitefully, yet with a reluctant admiration.