They were talking in the ill-fated library, having entered the house through the centre window. The unbidden guest faced the others, and although the cloud of suspicion hung heavily upon him, the barrister was far too shrewd an observer of human nature to attribute his present defiant attitude to other than its true origin--a feeling of humiliated pride. Brett understood that to question him further was to risk a scene--a thing to be avoided at all costs. "No doubt," he said, "you wish to speak privately to Mrs. Capella. I was on the point of escorting Miss Layton to her house. Shall I return and drive you back to Stowmarket? I will be here in fifteen minutes." "It would be better than walking," replied Robert wearily, settling into a chair with the air of a man physically tired and mentally perturbed. Again there was a dramatic pause. Helen, more alarmed than she wished to admit, gave Margaret a questioning look, and received a strained but reassuring smile. "Then I will go now--" she began, but instantly stopped. Like the others, she heard the quick trot of a horse, and the sound of rapid wheels approaching from the lodge. "Who on earth can this be?" cried Margaret, blanching visibly, The vehicle, a dog-cart, drew nearer. They all went to the window. Even the indifferent Robert rose and joined them. Helen startled them by running out to the side of the drive. "This time I am not mistaken," she cried hysterically. "It is Davie!" The proceedings of the gentleman who jumped from the dog-cart left no doubt on the point. He brazenly kissed her, and in her excitement she seemed to like it. She evidently whispered something to him, for his first words to Brett were: "How did you find out--" But the barrister was not anxious to let the cousin from Argentina into the secret of the search for him. "I have found out nothing," he interrupted. "I have been at Beechcroft all the afternoon and evening. Meanwhile, you must be surprised to meet Mr. Robert Hume-Frazer here so unexpectedly." David luckily grasped his friend's intention. Such information as he possessed must wait until they were alone. "How d'ye do, Bob?" he said, frankly holding out his hand. "Why have you left us alone all those years, to turn up at last in this queer way?" The young man's kind greeting, his manly attitude, had an unlooked-for effect. Robert ignored the proffered hand. He reached for his hat. "I feel like a beastly interloper," he growled huskily. "Accept my apologies, Margaret, and you, Miss Layton. I will call in the morning. Mr. Brett, if you still hold to your offer, I will await you at the lodge, or any other place you care to name." With blazing eyes, and mouth firmly set, he endeavoured to reach the open window. Brett barred his way. "Sit down, man," he said sternly. "Why are you such a fool as to resist the kindness offered to you? I tried to make matters easy for you. Now I must speak plainly. You are weak with hunger."