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S Payne threw open the door on the following afternoon, Beresford thought he detected a look of sympathy upon his features, and he mentally decided that the first-footman had narrated in the servants'-hall the conversation in the Park of the previous afternoon.

"Well, Payne, how's the rheumatism?" he enquired.

"It's been a little better lately, sir; I've taken to drinking water."

"Good heavens! with nothing in it?"

Payne shook his head and smiled sadly.

"We shall hear of your starting a temperance hotel next," said Beresford, as Payne led the way to the morning-room.

"God forbid, sir," he said fervently; then, throwing open the door, he announced Beresford.

"What is the meaning of this, Richard?" demanded Lady Drewitt, before Payne had time to close the door behind him.

"The meaning of what, Aunt Caroline?" asked Beresford, as he seated himself.

"You know perfectly well what I mean," said 99