Mrs. Trupp showed herself delightfully shy in her large and royal way. Mr. Caspar was Mr. Caspar; and the fair creature knew the secret of Mr. Caspar's son. She was indeed the only woman in Beachbourne who knew it, and that not because Mr. Trupp had told her, but because she was the only woman in whom Anne Caspar had confided,--as had, in fact, Edward too. Her meeting therefore with Mr. Caspar senior was full of dramatic possibilities. Her innocent soul thrilled with pleasurable alarm at the perilous character of the situation. She felt a little guilty and wholly defensive; and her transparent face betrayed every emotion as a pool reflects a cloud. Mr. Caspar watched her as she worked, with admiration and amusement. "You've come down to see your son, I expect," she said in her charming leisured voice. "I have," he answered brusquely, the light flashing in his eyes. "He seems snug enough. Not bad lodgings." "As lodgings go," said Mrs. Trupp, delicately, bending over her work as her colour came and went. "That's a queer creature," continued Mr. Caspar. "Who?" "The woman my son's lodging with." Mrs. Caspar held up her work to inspect it. "She is a little funny in her manner," she replied, and began to pride herself on her skill in evading the enemy without telling a downright lie. "She's a fine cook, I believe." "She's a fine woman," said Mr. Caspar. The beautiful creature tossed her head as though he was suggesting something improper, which no doubt he was. Mr. Caspar chuckled without shame or mercy; but as he walked back to the house his mood changed. "Well," he said gravely, "I congratulate you, Trupp. Children may be the greatest blessing in a man's life." Back in the consulting-room he was still very quiet. All the teasing laughter was gone from him. The mischievous boy, the trampling conqueror, had disappeared. Their place had been taken by a sad and even pathetic man. "What is it?" asked Mr. Trupp, as his visitor sank back in the big chair. "I'm sick as herrings," replied the other. "Labour troubles?" The big man, with his black hair, pale face and swarthy eyes, shook his head. "I wish it was." He put his hand to his heart. "I've got notice to quit. Rivers gives me eighteen months at most. Damn nuisance." He stared out of the window at the two women under the elm. "I don't feel like dying. And there was so much to do." "Let's see," said the Doctor. He applied the stethoscope, and then replaced it in his pocket without comment. It was clear from the negative expression of his face that he agreed with Sir Audrey Rivers' judgment. Mr. Caspar, intuitive as his friend, asked no questions.