METHODS FROM FRANCE Meanwhile Stella Ballantyne waited below.

She heard Mr.Hazlewood in the hall greeting the Pettifers with the false joviality which sat so ill upon him; she imagined the shy nods and glances which told them that the trap was properly set.

Mr.Hazlewood led them into the room.
"Is tea ready, Stella?
We won't wait for Dick," he said, and Stella took her place at the table.

She had her back to the door by which Thresk would enter.

She had not a doubt that thus her chair had been deliberately placed.