Iris knew enough of the sad circumstances to be able to respect her motives, and to appreciate the necessity for keeping the object of these solitary journeys a secret from her fellow-servants.
The pleasant life in the country house had lasted for nearly a month, when the announcement of Hugh's approaching return to England reached Iris.

The fatal end of his father's long and lingering illness had arrived, and the funeral had taken place.

Business, connected with his succession to the property, would detain him in London for a few days.
Submitting to this necessity, he earnestly expressed the hope of seeing Iris again, the moment he was at liberty.
Hearing the good news, Mr.Henley obstinately returned to his plans--already twice thwarted--for promoting the marriage of Mountjoy and Iris.
He wrote to invite Hugh to his house in a tone of cordiality which astonished his daughter; and when the guest arrived, the genial welcome of the host had but one defect--Mr.Henley overacted his part.

He gave the two young people perpetual opportunities of speaking to each other privately; and, on the principle that none are so blind as those who won't see, he failed to discover that the relations between them continued to be relations of friendship, do what he might.

Hugh's long attendance on his dying father had left him depressed in spirits; Iris understood him, and felt for him.