As you have divined, I do not want to go to the Hall, for reasons----" "Which you are perfectly at liberty to keep to yourself," said Reggie, blandly.

"If, at any time, I should want to learn them, I give you my word I shall have little difficulty in discovering them.

Just at the present moment, I am impelled by the sole desire to do Miss Grant a service--and you too; for, if you will permit me to say so, I have taken a physiognomical fancy to you.

Will you shake hands ?" With a feeling akin to bewilderment, but without any resentment against his strange companion's eccentricity, Derrick went through the ceremony; and Reggie, rising, said: "I am now going to the Hall; if you will be in the little wood in the hollow behind the Hall at seven o'clock this evening--but I need not continue." He rose, settled his cap, and took two or three steps; but stopped suddenly and, coming back to the table, leant his hands on it and regarded Derrick thoughtfully.
"One conjecture, if you will allow me.

May we say that the person at Thexford Hall you most particularly wish to avoid is--Lord Heyton ?" Derrick, speechless for a moment, stared at him; then he nodded.
"Quite so," said Reggie, with an air of satisfaction.