FOR a quarter of an hour the drawing-room remained empty.

At the end of that time the council in the boudoir broke up.

Lady Lydiard led the way back into the drawing-room, followed by Hardyman, Isabel being left to look after the dog.

Before the door closed behind him, Hardyman turned round to reiterate his last medical directions--or, in plainer words, to take a last look at Isabel.
"Plenty of water, Miss Isabel, for the dog to lap, and a little bread or biscuit, if he wants something to eat.

Nothing more, if you please, till I see him to-morrow." "Thank you, sir.