She did not look at Green. Yet instantly and very decidedly he entered the breach. "Quite so," he said. "We are all entitled to fair play--though we don't always get it when our backs are turned. I take off my hat to you, Miss Moore, for your loyalty to your friends." She gave him a quick glance without speaking. From the door the butler announced dinner, and they all turned. "Miss Moore, I apologize," said the squire, and offered her his arm. She took it, her hand not very steady. "Please forget it!" she said. He smiled at her kindly as he led her from the room, and began to speak of other things. Green sauntered behind with his hostess. His eyes were extremely bright, and he made no attempt to make conversation as he went. CHAPTER V THE WAY TO HAPPINESS It was an unpleasant shock to Juliet on the following morning when she went to Mrs. Fielding's room after breakfast to find her lying in bed, pale and tear-stained, refusing morosely to partake of any nourishment whatever. Juliet always breakfasted alone, for the squire was in the habit of taking his early ride first and coming in late for the meal. She usually took a morning paper up with her with which to regale the mistress of the house before she rose, but the first glance showed her that this attention would be wholly unwelcome to-day. Even the letters that had accompanied her breakfast tray were scattered unopened by her side. "Why, what is the matter?" said Juliet. "I've had--a wretched night," said Mrs. Fielding, and turned her face into the pillow with a sob. Her maid glanced at Juliet with raised brows, and indicated the untouched breakfast with a shrug of helplessness. Juliet came to the bedside. "What is it? Aren't you well?" she questioned. "No, I'm wretched--miserable!" The words came muffled with sobs. Juliet looked round. "All right, Cox. You can go. I will ring when you are wanted." Cox went, leaving the despised breakfast behind her. Juliet turned back to the bed, and found Mrs. Fielding weeping unrestrainedly. She bent over her, discarding all ceremony. "My dear girl, do stop!" she said. "What on earth is the matter? You won't get over it all day if you go on like this." "Of course I shan't get over it!" sobbed Mrs. Fielding indignantly. "I never do. He knows that perfectly well. He knows--that when once I'm down--it takes me days--weeks--to get up again." "Oh, dear!" said Juliet. "It's a quarrel, is it?" Mrs. Fielding raised herself with a furious movement and thrust out a white arm on which the bruises of a fierce grip were mercilessly defined. "That's how--he--quarrels!" she said bitterly. Juliet drew down the loose night-dress sleeve with a gentle but very decided hand. "Don't let anyone else see it!" she said. "And don't tell me any more unless you're sure--quite sure--you want me to know!"