He saw once more the slight, girlish form, the love-seeking light in those pleading dark eyes, the tremulous lips, the whole sweet appeal for safety from a frightened child to him, the strong man.

He felt the clinging touch of those soft fingers laid upon his, the sweetness of those marvellously awakened emotions, so cruelly and drearily stifled through a cycle of years.

The woman's passion by his side seemed suddenly tawdry and unreal, the seeking of her lips for his something horrible.

His back was towards the door, and it was her cry of angry dismay which first apprised him of a welcome intruder.

He swung around to find Seaman standing upon the threshold--Seaman, to him a very angel of deliverance.
"I am indeed sorry to intrude, Sir Everard," the newcomer declared, with a shade of genuine concern on his round, good-humoured face.