Then the door opened quickly and Peter Mallory stood upon the threshold.
Swiftly though they started apart, it was impossible that he should not have seen Rooke holding Nan close in his arms, his head bent above hers.
Their attitude was unmistakable--it could have but one significance.
Mallory paused abruptly in the doorway.

Then, in a voice entirely devoid of expression, he said quietly: "Mrs.Seymour left her fan behind--I came back to fetch it." With a slight bow he picked up the forgotten fan and turned to go.

"Good-bye once more." The door closed behind him, and Nan stood very still, her arms hanging down at her sides.

But Maryon could read the stricken expression in her eyes--the desperate appeal of them.

They betrayed her.
"What's that man to you ?" he demanded.
"Nothing." He caught her roughly by the shoulders.
"I don't believe it!" he exclaimed hotly.