"I have come an a visit, Decima," began he, speaking in a gay tone. "Can you take me in?" She did not understand him, and Lionel saw by the questioning expression of her face that Lady Verner had not made public the contents of his note to her; he saw that they were ignorant of the return of Sibylla. The fact that they were so seemed to rush over his spirit as a refreshing dew. Why it should do so, he did not seek to analyse; and he was all too self-conscious that he dared not. "A friend has come unexpectedly on a visit, and taken possession of Verner's Pride," he pursued. "I have lent it for a time." "Lent it all?" exclaimed the wondering Decima. "Lent it all. You will make room for me, won't you?" "To be sure," said Decima, puzzled more than she could express. "But was there no room left for you?" "No," answered Lionel. "What very unconscionable people they must be, to invade you in such numbers as that! You can have your old chamber, Lionel. But I will just go and speak to Catherine." She hastened from the room. Lionel stood before the fire, positively turning his back upon Lucy Tempest. Was his conscience already smiting him? Lucy, who had stood by the table, her bed candle in her hand, stepped forward and held out the other hand to Lionel. "May I wish you good-night?" she said. "Good-night," he answered, shaking her hand. "How is your cold?" "Oh! it is so much better!" she replied, with animation. "All the threatened soreness of the chest is gone. I shall be well by to-morrow. Lady Verner said I ought to have gone to bed early, but I felt too well. I knew Jan's advice would be good." She left him, and Lionel leaned his elbow on the mantel-piece, his brow contracting as does that of one in unpleasant thought. Was he recalling the mode in which he had taken leave of Lucy earlier in the day? CHAPTER XXXVII. NEWS FOR LADY VERNER: AND FOR LUCY.