During dinner Mrs. Hilliston recovered her spirits and talked freely enough. No one was present save Claude and her husband, so they were a very pleasant party of three. While in the full flow of conversation, Claude could not help thinking that Tait was unjust to suspect the master of the house of underhand dealings; for Hilliston was full of smiles and geniality, and did his best to entertain his guest. Could Claude have looked below the surface he would have been considerably astonished at the inward aspect of the man. Yet a hint was given him of such want of concord, for Hilliston showed the cloven hoof before the meal ended. "So you are going to Eastbourne," said Claude, addressing himself to Mrs. Hilliston. "I hope you will come over to Thorston during your stay." "It is not unlikely," replied the lady. "Francis intends to make excursions all round the country." "Only for your amusement, my dear," said Hilliston hastily. "You know how dreary it is to pace daily up and down that Parade." "I think Eastbourne is dreary, in any case. It is solely on your account that I am going." Hilliston did not answer, but stole a glance at Claude to see what he thought. The face of the young man was inscrutable, though Claude was mentally considering that Tait was right, and Hilliston's journey to Eastbourne was undertaken to interview Jenny Paynton. "I don't like your English watering-places," continued Mrs. Hilliston idly. "They are so exasperatingly dull. In America we can have a good time at Newport, but all your south coast is devoid of amusement. Trouville or Dieppe are more enjoyable than Eastbourne or Folkestone." "The fault of the national character, my dear Louise. We English take our pleasures sadly, you know." For the sole purpose of seeing what effect it would produce on the lawyer Claude purposely introduced the name of the town where his father had met his death. "I wonder you don't try an inland watering-place, Mrs. Hilliston," he said calmly; "Bath or Tunbridge Wells or--Horriston." Hilliston looked up quickly, and then busied himself with his food. Discomposed as he was, his iron will enabled him to retain a quiet demeanor; but the effect of the name on the wife was more pronounced than it was on the husband. Her color went, and she laid down her knife and fork. "Ah, I don't know Horriston," she said faintly. "Some inland----Ah, how hot this room is. Open the window," she added to the footman, "we want fresh air." Rather astonished at the effect thus produced, Claude would have spoken but that Hilliston forestalled him. "The room is hot," he said lightly, "but the fresh air will soon revive you, Louise. I am glad we are going to Eastbourne, for you sadly need a change." "The season has been rather trying," replied his wife, resuming her dinner. "What were you saying about Horriston, Claude?"