"You are riding home," he said to Prudence, not in the manner of a question, but simply stating a fact. "I will accompany you--when you are ready." "I am ready now," she answered, and led her bicycle into the middle of the road. Major Stotford, still beating the dust from his clothes, did not look round. Mr Jones held his bicycle ready; he had no intention of mounting until he had seen Prudence in the saddle. Instantly with the placing of her foot on the pedal, Major Stotford swung round and approached her. He held out his hand to her. "Just for appearances," he said in an undertone. "You must... It's too silly... parting like that--before him." She shook hands gravely. He put his hand to his cap and stepped back. "Good-bye," he called after her. "Sorry you couldn't come for a longer spin. I'm off to-morrow." He paid no attention to Mr Jones, who was already in pursuit of Prudence, and ringing his bell fussily; he turned his back on him and went into the inn for the purpose of washing some of the curate's dust from his throat, reflecting while he did so that, had Prudence been more reasonable, she would have avoided the parson. Despite the fact that he felt annoyed with her, he regretted the complication of the meeting which he foresaw would create new difficulties for her. "He'll tell of course," he mused. "He's the sneaking sort of little cad who feels it his special mission in life to use the lash where he can. Well, she ran into it, poor little Imprudence!" CHAPTER TWENTY ONE. Mr Jones was spared the necessity of describing the conditions under which he had met Prudence by Prudence's own frank confession immediately on her arrival at the house. She was either too proud to appeal to Mr Jones' generosity, or she did not credit him with the possession of this quality. He had quite expected an appeal from her, urging him to secrecy in the matter, and was a little uncertain as to the attitude he should adopt. But he was fully determined to improve the occasion with spiritual advice and a little brotherly reproof; also he intended that she should thoroughly appreciate his magnanimity in shielding her from the consequences of her very indiscreet behaviour. And she spoilt his pleasing role by refusing to give him the cue. This annoyed him, and showed him plainly that his first duty was to his father-in-law, who had every right to be informed of his daughter's indiscretions. He followed Prudence into the drawing-room, the sense of responsibility sitting heavily upon him, and was received by Mr Graynor and by his sisters-in-law with marked cordiality. "You should have arrived earlier," Agatha said. "The tea is cold. Where is Matilda?" "I didn't come from home," he answered. "I've just cycled in from Hatchett. I've had tea, thanks." And then Prudence's bombshell was delivered. "So have I," she said. "I met Major Stotford, and we had tea at a Cyclists' Rest." "You _did what_?"