By this time Miss Power, who had appeared anxious during their absence, regained her self-control.

Going towards her old lover she said, with a smile, 'I have been looking for you!' 'Why have you been doing that ?' said Somerset, in a voice which he failed to keep as steady as he could wish.
'Because--I want some architect to continue the restoration.

Do you withdraw your resignation ?' Somerset appeared unable to decide for a few instants.

'Yes,' he then answered.
For the moment they had ignored the presence of the painter and Mrs.
Goodman, but Somerset now made them known to one another, and there was friendly intercourse all round.
'When will you be able to resume operations at the castle ?' she asked, as soon as she could again speak directly to Somerset.
'As soon as I can get back.

Of course I only resume it at your special request.' 'Of course.' To one who had known all the circumstances it would have seemed a thousand pities that, after again getting face to face with him, she did not explain, without delay, the whole mischief that had separated them.