"What! what!" said the baronet, setting down his cup irritably. "Tell the hussy to go at once. Love?" This in a tone of scorn. "As though I've not had enough worry over that with Bernard. Tell her to go." Mrs. Gilroy shook her head. "We can't dismiss her, sir. She belongs to the house, and Mr. Jeffrey"-- "I'll see him about it later. If he knew he certainly would not allow such things. A soldier--eh--what? Turn him out, Gilroy, turn him out! Won't have it, won't have him! There! you can go." "Will you be out to-day, sir?" "Yes, I go to see my lawyers. Do you think I come to town to waste time, Gilroy? Go away." But the housekeeper did not seem eager to go. She cast a look on Lucy eloquent of a desire to be alone with Sir Simon. That look Lucy took no notice of, although she understood it plainly. She suspected Mrs. Gilroy of hating Julius Beryl and of favoring Bernard. Consequently, all the influence of Mrs. Gilroy would be put forth to help the exiled heir. Lucy was fond of Bernard, but she was engaged to Julius, and, dragged both ways by liking and duty, she was forced to a great extent to remain neutral. But she did not intend to let Mrs. Gilroy have the honor and glory of bringing Bernard back to the Hall. Therefore she kept her seat by the window and her eyes on her book. Mrs. Gilroy tightened her thin lips and accepted defeat, for the moment. A ring at the door gave her an excuse to go. "It's Julius," said Lucy, peeping out. "What does he want?" asked Sir Simon, crossly. "Tell him to wait, Gilroy. I can't see him at once. Lucy, stop here, I want to speak." The housekeeper left the room to detain Mr. Beryl, and Lucy obediently resumed her seat. She was a handsome, dark girl, with rather a high color and a temper to match. But she knew when she was well off and kept her temper in check for fear of Sir Simon turning her adrift. He would have done so without scruple had it suited him. Lucy was therefore astute and assumed a meekness she was far from possessing. Mrs. Gilroy saw through her, but Lucy--as the saying goes--pulled the wool over the old man's eyes. Sir Simon took a turn up and down the room. "What about Bernard?" he asked, abruptly stopping before her. Lucy looked up with an innocent smile. "Dear Bernard!" she said. "Do you know where he is?" asked the baronet, taking no notice of the sweet smile and sweet speech. "No, he has not written to me." "But he has to that girl. You know her?" "Alice! yes, but Alice doesn't like me. She refuses to speak to me about Bernard. You see," said Lucy, pensively, "I am engaged to Julius, and as you have sent Bernard away--" "Julius comes in for my money, is that it?" "Not in my opinion," said Miss Randolph, frankly, "but Alice Malleson thinks so."