The next morning the strange attack which had rendered Mr Brooke's condition one of such anxiety had to all appearance? passed away. He was a little weak still, and his head a trifle dizzy; but he was able to potter about the garden leaning on John Saxon's arm. Annie, who was anxious to go as soon as possible to Rashleigh, ran up to John for a minute. "I have to ride to Rashleigh to get some things for Mrs Shelf," she said. "While I am away tell him--I know you will do it beautifully-- tell him how necessary it is, and that I shall come back whenever he sends for me. Do it now, please; for you know that I must leave here this afternoon." Accordingly, while Annie was trotting on horseback in to Rashleigh with that money which was to be exchanged for the necessary receipt from Dawson, Saxon broached the subject of Paris to the old man. "There is a little matter, sir," he said, "which I should like to speak to you about." "And what is that, John?" "It relates to your niece Annie." "Ah, dear child!" said the old man; "and what about her?" "She seems to be in distress," continued Saxon. "Oh, please don't worry, sir; her great anxiety is to prevent your worrying." "Dear, dear child! So thoughtful of her," murmured the clergyman. "You were rather bad, you know, yesterday, and she and I took a walk together while you were having your sleep. It was then she confided to me that she has been invited to Paris." "I know, John," said old Mr Brooke, turning and looking fixedly at the young man; "and I am the last to prevent her going; but, naturally, I want to know something about the woman who has invited her--a certain Lady Lushington. I never heard her name before. Annie tells me that Lady Lushington's niece is her greatest school friend; and I feel assured that my Annie would not have a school friend who was not in all respects worthy--that goes without saying; nevertheless, a young girl has to be guarded. Don't you agree with me, John?" "Certainly I do, sir. Still, if you will permit me to say so, Annie seems very sensible." "She is wonderfully so; my Annie's little head is screwed the right way on her shoulders--not a doubt whatever on that point. But the thing is this. I can inquire of Mrs Lyttelton what she knows with regard to Lady Lushington. If matters are favourable the child shall go. Can anything be more reasonable?" "In one sense, sir, nothing can be more reasonable; but in another, your making this condition forces poor Annie practically to give up her invitation." "Eh? How so? How so?" "Well, you see, it is this way. If she cannot join Lady Lushington on Tuesday evening--that is, to-morrow--she cannot join her at all, for this lady is leaving Paris on the following day. Annie can either go with her or not go with her. There is, therefore, you will perceive, sir, no time to communicate with Mrs Lyttelton." "That is true," said Mr Brooke. "But why didn't Annie tell me so herself?"