But he knew that he dared not ran the risk of meeting Ida, and with a sigh he went on towards the stables, carrying the note in his hand.

And as he turned away Maude Falconer let fall the curtain which she had raised at her window so that she might watch him.
She stood for a moment with her costly dressing-gown held together with one white hand, her lids half closed.
"He has written to her," she said to herself.

"Has he broken with her for good, or will he try and keep her?
I would give something to see that letter, to know exactly how he stands.

And how I stand! I wonder how he will send it?
He is taking it to the stables." She thought a moment, then she smiled.

"Pottinger!" she murmured.
Stafford found Pottinger giving the last loving touches with a silk handkerchief to Adonis.