Once he had been one of the seven and though never so intimately associated with the Rectory life as the others, yet at all team gatherings he had had his place.

But since the war Maitland had never been able to endure his presence in that room.

To-day, with the memory of those old thrilling days pressing hard upon his heart, he could not bear to look upon a man, once one of them, now forever an outsider.

The tea coming in brought to Maitland relief.
"Ah, here you are," he cried anticipating Stillwell in relieving Adrien of part of her load.

"You are a life saver.