The first thing that struck Dr. Jim the next day, was an alteration in the demeanour of his friend. When Herrick arrived at "The Pines" after his visit to Corn, the Squire had already retired to bed, and was asleep, so the servant said. Not wishing to disturb him, Jim had supper all to himself, and went to his own room after a brisk walk on the terrace. It struck him as curious that Stephen did not come down to breakfast the next morning as he was now comparatively well. On asking for the Squire he was informed that Marsh-Carr had gone out for a walk. Herrick therefore had another lonely meal, wondering the while what had taken Stephen out so early. The young man did not return till late in the afternoon, and then excused himself by stating that he had been to see Petronella at Beorminster. "She is still in that dull house," said Marsh-Carr gloomily, "although I think she is tired of it and wants to go to her own country. But she refuses to go all the same." "What is her reason?" asked Herrick sharply. "I can't get it out of her. She says my mother left a message with her." "For you, I suppose? Well why doesn't she deliver it and get away." "The message is for you Herrick." Dr. Jim stared. "For me!" he cried. "Why, what possible message can your poor mother have left for me?" "I really do not know," replied Stephen indifferently, "you had better see Petronella and ask her. She is looking very ill and if she stays much longer in that damp house she will die." "All right," replied Herrick coolly, "I'll look her up some time. I daresay the message is only one asking me to look after you." So Dr. Jim said, but in his heart he was wondering if the dead woman had left behind her any confession of her crime. She might have done so. Yet if she had poisoned herself to escape the consequences, it would have been foolish of her to incriminate herself. Herrick resolved to see Petronella at the first opportunity and learn what it was that she had to tell him. If there were any really important message it was strange that the old Italian had not delivered it long ago. He had seen her frequently and there had been ample opportunity for her to fulfil her mistress' dying wish. However Herrick put this out of his mind for the moment and turned his attention to Stephen. "You are not looking well Steve," he said gravely, "your face is white, you have dark rings round your eyes, and a haggard look as though you had not slept all night." "I am not yet quite myself," said Marsh-Carr in a far more irritable tone than Herrick had ever heard him use before. "I can see that, and being someone else has not improved your temper. I hope I have not offended you by going to town Steve?" "Certainly not. How can you think so?" "Well," said Dr. Jim looking at him, "it struck me that you have been trying to avoid me lately. If you are tired of me Steve, you need only say so, and I'll pack up and go."