Jehane unlatched the window and leant out above the flint-paved street, looking up and holding out her hands. From far away, out of sight on the river, came the thud of oars and hoarse shouts where the eights were practising. Halfway down the street the tower of Calvary soared, incredibly frail and defiant, against a running sea of cloud. “There's not a drop. If you don't believe me, feel for yourself. Let's----” She drew back swiftly, looking slightly flustered. From the back of the room Nan's voice came smooth and unhurried, “What's the matter? Why don't you finish what you were saying?” “It's a man,” Jehane whispered. In an instantly arranged conspiracy, Nan tiptoed over to her friend. Cautiously they peered out. No sooner had Nan's eyes found what they sought than she darted back; Jehane, with rising color, remained bending forward. The bell rang. A few seconds later, the front-door opened and shut. Jehane drew a long breath and stood erect. Laughing nervously, she patted her face with both hands. “You look scared, you dear old thing--more fluffy than ever: just like a tiny newly hatched chicken---- But it's happened in the world before.” “Oh, Jehane, how could you do it?” “Do what?” “You know--stare at him like that.” “I looked; I didn't stare. Why, my dear, that's what woman's eyes were made for.” “But--but you flung your eyes about his neck. You've dragged him into the house.--And I want to hide so badly.” “I don't.” Jehane feigned a coolness which she did not possess. A step sounded on the stairs. Nan buried her hot cheeks in a bowl of lilac. A maid entered with a card. Jehane looked up from reading it. “Don't know him, Betty. What made him come?” Betty looked her surprise. “To see master, of course. That's what he said.” “But you told him father was out?” “I did, miss. But he's all the way from London. Seems the master gave him an appointment. He told me to tell you as you'd do instead.” “Just like father to forget. We're going on the river; I suppose I'll have to see him first.--No, Nan, I won't be left by myself.--Betty, you'd better show him up.” Nan threw herself down on the sofa, crushing herself into the cushions, as far from the door as she could get. “I wish I'd not come. Jehane, why did you do it?” Jehane seated herself near the window where the light fell across her shoulder most becomingly. She spread out her skirts decorously and picked up a book, composing her features to an expression of sweetest demureness--that it was a Greek grammar did not matter. In answer to Nan's question she replied, “Little stupid. Nothing venture, nothing have.” CHAPTER II--“I'M HALF SICK OF SHADOWS” The strange man was rather amused as he climbed the stairs, but he showed no amusement when he entered.