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 you are pleased to see him when you are quite certain he is pleased to see you. I determined to take it all as coolly as if he had just looked in to tea in Hill Street as he had so often done at home. 'You have indeed,' I said as casually as I could, with a whirl of thoughts as to the why and wherefore of his coming darting through my brain. 'I had no idea you were in India. Will you have some tea?' He laughed, his nice, clean, pleasant laugh. I suddenly realised how much I had missed it. 'Thanks,' he said. 'It's a long way and very dusty between this and Berkeley Square, and I'm just dying for a cup of tea.' 'What,' I said, falling into his mood, 'have you come straight here?' He laughed again. 'Yes, straight from Berkeley Square to Slumpanugger.'

I did so wish he would not look at me quite like that. 'I'm so sorry Berengaria is out,' I murmured. He didn't look at all sorry, but of course he politely said he was. 'But she will soon be back,' I informed him cheerfully, looking towards the long red drive as if she might be appearing any moment. He looked decidedly sorry then. His smile died out, and I thought he actually seemed for a moment quite nervous. That gave me confidence straight away. If I see anybody else getting nervous, I always at once feel perfectly at ease. In the same