"I can conceive no possible reason for such an action," he declared. "We have not injured him in any way. On the contrary, we have, at your Aunt Caroline's solicitation, offered him a hospitality somewhat rarely accorded by you and me, dear, to persons of his nationality and position." Letitia made a little grimace. "Aunt Caroline looks at him from a different point of view, doesn't she!" "Your aunt is intensely modern," the Marquis agreed. "She is modern, too, without any real necessity. Her outlook upon life is one which, considering her descent, I cannot understand." "Don't you think, father," Letitia asked him squarely, "that, however, disagreeable it may be, you ought to speak to Mr. Thain about the shares? He could probably tell you something which would relieve your mind, or he might offer to take them back." The Marquis was silent for a moment. Probably no one in the world except Letitia knew how much it cost him to say the next few words. "I will do so," he promised. "I will find an early opportunity of doing so. At the same time, in the absence of any more definite information, I prefer to retain my belief in their value." Sylvia and David came strolling towards them. The former was looking almost distressed. "Letitia dear, isn't it horrid!" she said. "I must go now! I promised Mrs. Medlingcourt that I'd be back to tea. She has some stupid people coming in. We've had such a wonderful game of croquet. I am quite sure I could make an expert of Mr. Thain in a very short time. Can I have my pony cart, please, Letitia? And what time shall I come on Thursday?" "We shall be ready for you any time you like," Letitia replied, "so please suit yourself." They all strolled round to see her start. She looked a little wistfully at the vacant place in the governess' cart, as she took her seat. "I can't drop you at Broomleys gate, can I, Mr. Thain?" she asked. He shook his head smilingly. "I should never dare to face your pony again," he declared. "Bring your father over to see me, and we'll mark out a croquet court at Broomleys." "We'll come," she promised. She drove away. David, too, turned to take his leave. "So nice of you to entertain our little visitor," Letitia said, smiling graciously upon him. "She is charming, isn't she?" "Quite," he replied. "I'll show you a way into the park from the flower gardens," she continued. "It saves you a little." She led the way across the lawn, very erect, very graceful, very indifferent. David walked by her side with his hands behind him. "You must find these country pursuits a relaxation after your more strenuous life," she observed. "I find them very pleasant." "To-morrow," Letitia told him, "my aunt arrives for a day or two. You are almost as popular with her, you know, as you seem to be with Sylvia." "The Duchess," he repeated. "I did not know that she was coming here. She was kind enough to ask me to go to Scotland later on."