.

THE UNEXPECTED.
Mary's first instinct on seeing the approach of Pemberton Bryce, the one man she least desired to see, was to retreat to the back of the house and send the parlourmaid to the door to say her mistress was not at home.

But she had lately become aware of Bryce's curiously dogged persistence in following up whatever he had in view, and she reflected that if he were sent away then he would be sure to come back and come back until he had got whatever it was that he wanted.

And after a moment's further consideration, she walked out of the front door and confronted him resolutely in the garden.
"Dr.Ransford is away," she said with almost unnecessary brusqueness.
"He's away until evening." "I don't want him," replied Bryce just as brusquely.

"I came to see you." Mary hesitated.