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, inexplicably, a question forced itself to her lips.

&quot;And your work—?&quot; she said, strangely hearing herself speak.

&quot;My work—?&quot; He sat up, on the defensive almost, but without a tremor of the guarded face.

&quot;You're getting on well? You've made up for lost time?&quot;

&quot;Oh, yes: things are going better.&quot; He rose, with another glance at his watch. &quot;Time to dress,&quot; he said, nodding to her as he turned to the door.

It was an hour later, during her own solitary dinner, that a ring at the door was followed by the parlour-maid's announcement that Mr. Gill was there from the office. In the hall, in fact, Kate found her son's partner, who explained apologetically that he had understood Peyton was dining at home, and had come to consult him about a difficulty which had arisen since he