Ferdy was conversing with Anthony's brother officer, who had brought over the car; and, of course, the amateur chauffeur was introduced to Miss Baird. She chatted so gaily for a few minutes that Anthony could not believe she had anything on her mind. Yet he knew very well that she was extremely anxious, and was nerving herself to face her enemies. Finally, he insisted that she should go indoors, as the night was chilly, and the car surged off down the lane, with the buzz of an angry bee. Clarice stood on the steps and watched it vanish. Then she went inside and spoke to Ferdy. "I want you to take a letter to Sir Daniel to-morrow for me," she said, going to her desk. "When do you start in the morning?" "By the eight fifty-five. I'll be in town by ten, or a trifle later. Why are you writing?" "I want Sir Daniel to come down, as I wish to speak with him about business connected with the estate." "What business?" asked Ferdy, persistently. "Oh, nothing particular," said Clarice, airily; "it has to do with a ring which poor Uncle Henry wished me to give the doctor. Aha-a-a!" she shivered--"I believe that I have caught cold." She had indeed, for the next morning Ferdy had to go to her bedroom to receive the letter for Jerce, as Clarice did not get up. Her eyes were brilliant, her cheeks vividly red, and her voice was somewhat hoarse. Ferdy guessed that she had caught cold from standing in the porch on the previous night, and declined to kiss her when he went, in case he should suffer also. That was Ferdy all over--he never ran the chance of getting into trouble, if it was not likely to benefit himself. Clarice sighed when he departed, and then laughed. Sad as she was at Ferdy's selfishness, the thought of her plot cheered her up. The boy--as she was resolved--should be saved from Zara Dumps in spite of himself. Sir Daniel was extremely astonished to receive Clarice's note asking him to come down, and his elderly heart beat rapidly, as he reflected that she had called him back. He had told her that he would not see her again, unless she asked him to come, and here the very message, for which he had longed, was in his hand. He went down to Crumel by the midday train, and shortly arrived at The Laurels. Here he found Clarice up and dressed, and seated in the drawing-room, looking very unwell. She occupied a large chair near the fire, and was enveloped in a multiplicity of wraps to keep her from shivering. When Sir Daniel entered, she did not rise or offer him her hand. "I might give you my cold," said Clarice, hoarsely. "Dear, dear! you are very sick," remarked Jerce, quite at his ease in the presence of ill-health. "How did you get this cold?" "I was standing in the porch last night, talking to Anthony." Jerce bit his lip as she mentioned the name, and stretched out his hand. "Let me feel your pulse."