Frank deposited them at "The Pines" and then drove away to the Rectory to restore the cart. Stephen found the house in admirable order, and a good dinner waiting for him and his friend in the dining-room. Herrick felt rather a qualm as he sat down, remembering that ghastly meal which had waited for the dead Colonel. However he was too healthy a man to give way to such morbid fancies, and made an excellent meal. Afterwards he and Stephen had coffee in the library, and as the evening was chilly, Marsh-Carr ordered a fire to be lighted. In a state of comfort they sat in comfortable arm-chairs smoking luxuriously. Hitherto Stephen had smoked only cigarettes, but lately, by the advice of his doctor, had begun pipe-smoking. After a time, he found it much more satisfying than the cigarettes. "I suppose they will be here soon," said Stephen glancing at his watch. Herrick grunted. Truth to tell he felt so comfortable that he did not want to be disturbed. There was a good deal of the bachelor about Herrick. However, just as Stephen replaced his watch, one of the new footmen announced the Biffs; not by that name certainly. "Mr. Endicotte, the Misses Endicotte," said Phillips. He had been in the service of the Bishop of Beorminster and prided himself on knowing the manners of good society. "Well," said Bess when the first greeting was over and they were all seated comfortably round the fire, "what do you think of the house?" "It is splendid," said Stephen, "I have to thank you and Ida heartily. But I won't stop short at thanks." And then the presents were produced. They took the form of jewellery and both the girls were delighted. "Oh, lovely! lovely," cried Ida looking at the emerald ring which Stephen had placed on her finger. "I do so love jewels!" As she spoke she caught the eye of Marsh-Carr fixed significantly on her, and blushed. She knew very well why the ring had been bought although Stephen had not placed it on the engagement finger. Herrick did not notice this by-play which might have enlightened him. He was busy talking to Frank about the new gun which he was examining. Frank had always wanted a gun and was in the seventh heaven of delight. Bess also was pleased with a bangle. But she would rather have had books. However she did not say so, as she did not wish Stephen to think she was disappointed. "I have something for Flo and Sidney, but those can wait," said Stephen. Frank was so taken up with his new gun, that Stephen devoted himself to Ida. Herrick was thus thrown into the society of Bess, who asked him if he had solved the cryptogram. "No, I have not," he replied, "and here is another of the same sort which appeared in the Telegraph of to-day." Bess glanced at it with interest. "I have seen something like that before," she said thoughtfully, "several times a cipher like that has been in the Telegraph. I never thought it had anything to do with the Colonel." "I am sure it had," said Herrick eagerly. "Have you the cuttings?"