He was about to resume his tea, when suddenly a tall white figure came lightly in through the open French window, and a clear voice began: "Oh, Uncle John, there is such a heathen of a black poodle making excavations in the flower-beds! Do--" Ruth stopped suddenly as her eyes fell upon the stranger.

Dare rose instinctively.
"This is Mr.Dare, Ruth," said Mr.Alwynn.

"He has just arrived at Vandon." Ruth bowed.

Dare surpassed himself, and was silent.

All his smiles and flow of small-talk had suddenly deserted him.