CHAPTER VI.
Vaguely uneasy, and still perplexed with her previous agitation, as Mr.
Rushbrook closed the door behind him, Grace, following some feminine instinct rather than any definite reason, walked to the door and placed her hand upon the lock to prevent any intrusion until he returned.
Her caution seemed to be justified a moment later, for a heavier but stealthier footstep halted outside.

The handle of the door was turned, but she resisted it with the fullest strength of her small hand until a voice, which startled her, called in a hurried whisper:-- "Open quick, 'tis I." She stepped back quickly, flung the door open, and beheld Somers on the threshold! The astonishment, agitation, and above all, the awkward confusion of this usually self-possessed and ready man, was so unlike him, and withal so painful, that Grace hurried to put an end to it, and for an instant forgot her own surprise at seeing him.

She smiled assuringly, and extended her hand.
"Grace--Miss Nevil--I beg your pardon--I didn't imagine"-- he began with a forced laugh.

"I mean, of course--I cannot--but"-- He stopped, and then assuming a peculiar expression, said: "But what are YOU doing here ?" At any other moment the girl would have resented the tone, which was as new to her as his previous agitation, but in her present self-consciousness her situation seemed to require some explanation.
"I came here," she said, "to see Mr.Rushbrook on business.

Your business--OUR business," she added, with a charming smile, using for the first time the pronoun that seemed to indicate their unity and interest, and yet fully aware of a vague insincerity in doing so.
"Our BUSINESS ?" he repeated, ignoring her gentler meaning with a changed emphasis and a look of suspicion.
"Yes," said Grace, a little impatiently.