Page:Possession (Roche, February 1923).pdf/45

 together, and each found much in the other to attract. They were talking like familiar friends when they reached the door of Durras. A fire burned in the drawing-room and its light was softly given back by ornaments of brass and silver, and dark polished wood.

Derek was introduced to Miss Jerrold and Mr. Ramsey, and a stout Aberdeen terrier was tipped from a chair to make room for him. He was provided with a cup of tea and a scone; the Aberdeen which a moment before had seemed stupefied by sleep, sat up briskly before him waving its forepaws, and fixing him with glowing, greedy eyes.

"That is Sgiath," said Miss Jerrold. "She is a great nuisance."

"Dear old Sgiath," said Mr. Ramsey, "come and have a bit of scone."

Sgiath turned to him without enthusiasm and he gave her a morsel, taking care that her nose should not touch his hand.

"Sgiath always favours the newest friend with her attentions," said Miss Jerrold, as the terrier returned to Derek and again sat up with agitated forepaws.

"She knows I like her," said Derek in a low tone.

"And that Mr. Ramsey is only pretending to like her." She looked into his eyes with an amused and friendly smile. He thought he had never seen a face in which reserve and mobility were so delicately blended.

Mr. Ramsey said: "I was delighted that you should so soon join us in partaking of the Holy Eucharist, Mr. Vale. I am sorry to say that your uncle was not a regular communicant. Your promptness is all the more agreeable."

"I was there, too," said Mr. Jerrold, with a challenging smile.

"And equally welcome," affirmed the clergyman.