She caught her son's voice in the entrance hall, from which stately arched doorways led to the side lobbies; but happily he was still at the door, engaged in railing at a servant; and so far all was well.

At any moment, however, he might stride into the middle of the busy group in the hall; and then if he saw Thomasson before the tutor had had his lesson, the trick, if not the game, was lost.

Her ladyship, scarcely breathing, hung over the balustrade, and at length had the satisfaction of seeing Thomasson and the woman enter the lobby at the foot of the stairs.

In a trice the tutor, looking scared, and a trifle sulky--for he had been taken from his meat--stood at her side.
Lady Dunborough drew a breath of relief, and by a sign bade the maid begone.

'You know who is below ?' she whispered.
Mr.Thomasson nodded.