CHAPTER V.
THE FIRST ENCOUNTER It was a week after the Hunt Ball that Anne Carfax, sitting alone at tea in her drawing-room before a blazing fire, was surprised by the sudden opening of the door, and the announcement of old Dimsdale the butler, "Mr.Nap Errol to see your ladyship!" She rose to meet him, her surprise in her face, and he, entering with that light, half-stealthy tread of his, responded to it before his hand touched hers.
"I know my presence is unexpected, and my welcome precarious, but as none of my friends have been able to give me any news of you, I determined to chance my reception and come myself to inquire for your welfare." "You are very good," said Anne, but she spoke with a certain stateliness notwithstanding.

There was no pleasure in her eyes.
Nap, however, was sublimely self-assured.

"I am beginning to think I must be," he said, "since you say so.

For I know you to be strictly truthful." Anne made no response.

She did not even smile.
"I am in luck to find you alone," proceeded Nap, surveying her with bold dark eyes that were nothing daunted by her lack of cordiality.
"My husband will be in soon," she answered quietly.
"I shall be delighted to make his acquaintance," said Nap imperturbably.
"Has he been hunting ?" "Yes." Anne's tone was distant.