"Yes, yes! I understand," said Haskins impatiently, "take my card to Major Rebb, and say that I have come down from London to see him." Mrs. Geary did this in her stolid way, and shortly returned to usher Haskins into the well-remembered sitting-room. Here he was received somewhat stiffly by the man he had come to see, and the landlady retired, closing the door carefully after her. Rebb looked thinner and more erect, and more reserved than ever. With a silent bow he pointed to a seat, and waited to hear what Gerald had to say. Considering the two men had already met frequently this reception was frigid; but Rebb apparently wished to make Haskins as uncomfortable as possible, so that he might get the better of him. If such was his object he failed to attain it, for Gerald, anticipating this demeanor, was quite cheerful, and very observant. The Major, having finished his meal, lighted a cigar, but did not offer one to Haskins. This was a sign of war, and Gerald accepted it as such. "You are surprised to see me," he remarked, keeping his eyes on Rebb's dark high-bred face. "Not exactly," answered the other coolly, "my man told me that you wished to see me in London, and of course I found your card, when I returned. I regret that I could not see you then, but I had to come back here on business." "To see your elderly relative, no doubt." "Bellaria Dondi. Precisely. Well?" "Why fence in this way, Rebb?" asked the young man, "you have heard from Bellaria that I----" "Yes," interrupted the Major, leaning forward and gripping the arms of his chair with an angry expression on his face, "Bellaria has told me of your secret visits to the Pixy's House. I must say that you have behaved very badly, Haskins. This is not the kind of thing I expected from you." "Really," Gerald raised his eyebrows, "we have not been intimate, that you should expect me to consider your feelings." "Since my future wife was your mother's friend and is yours," said Rebb, with dignity, "I was quite willing to admit you to a certain degree of intimacy. Now the case is altered." "Because I love your ward?" "No. Because you went by stealth to see her. If you had come to me, I could have explained her unhappy condition." "I am quite certain that you could," retorted Gerald, looking straight at his enemy, as he was convinced the Major was, "but is there any need of an explanation? Everyone hereabouts declares that Miss Durham is insane, and not responsible for her actions." A flash of pleasure came and went in Rebb's dark eyes for the moment, and then he looked hypocritically sad. "Poor girl! It is only too true." "I don't agree with you there," said Haskins quietly. "Indeed, and on what grounds?" "I have had several interviews with Mavis, and I am quite certain that she is as sane as you or I." "If so, why should I shut her up?" "Ask your own conscience."