"Were all people good I'd have no occupation," said Dowker drily. At this moment they heard footsteps outside and a man talking, whose voice May immediately recognised. "It's Mr. Ellersby," she said quickly. "He has come to see Sir Rupert about my marriage. I cannot meet him." "Neither can I," said Dowker, "as I want to see Sir Rupert alone. Is there no place where we can wait?" "Yes, here," said May, and walked to the end of the room, where there was a door leading to a smaller apartment, before which hung a curtain. "Let us all go in here till he is gone." Dowker and Norwood took up their hats and went after her into the room, leaving the library quiet and deserted. CHAPTER XX. THE END OF IT ALL. Spencer Ellersby, well-dressed, nonchalant and languid, entered the room with a smile on his face, which faded quickly when he found there was no one present to receive him. "I thought you said Miss Penfold was here," he observed sharply, turning to the footman who was showing him in. "So she was, sir," stammered the servant in some confusion, "and two gentlemen." "Gentlemen!" muttered Ellersby to himself, taking a chair, "some of those empty-headed men about town, I suppose." "I think Miss Penfold must have gone up to the drawing-room, sir," said the servant, turning towards the door. "Will I take your name up, sir?" "No," replied Ellersby, with a yawn. "I want to see Sir Rupert just now, so I'll wait here till he comes in, and go upstairs afterwards." "Very good, sir," said the footman, and was just retiring when Sir Rupert, looking jaded and worried, entered the room, upon which Ellersby rose to his feet, and the footman going out, closed the door behind him. "Ah, Sir Rupert," he said carelessly, "I am so glad to see you, as I thought I'd have to wait for some time. I must apologise for coming into this room, but your servant said Miss Penfold was here." "Have you seen her?" said Sir Rupert, moodily, taking his seat in front of the desk and swinging round the seat so as to face his visitor. "No, he made a mistake. She is up in the drawing-room, so I am going to see her later on." "Meanwhile?" demanded the baronet. "I am going to see you," finished Ellersby, smoothly, resuming his seat. Balscombe raised his eyebrows. "What about?" "A very important subject--marriage." "Whose marriage?" "My own." "What have I to do with your marriage?" "A great deal," replied Ellersby calmly, "because I want to marry Miss Penfold." "Impossible," said Balscombe pointedly, "quite impossible." "How so?" asked the other coolly. "I have a good position, plenty of money, and my character is good." "Your moral character?" sneering. "Oh, that," with a laugh, "is no better nor worse than other young men, so I would like your answer. Will you favour my suit?" "No." "Why not?" "Because, in the first place, my ward is going to marry Myles Desmond."