She thrust out a hand between herself and Drake, and cast a startled glance across his shoulder, expecting to see her father come forward smiling congratulations at her.

Drake caught the outstretched hand, and, setting an arm about her waist, drew her into the library.
'I have not seen Mr.Le Mesurier,' he said; 'he's out, I am afraid.' The room was empty.

Clarice looked round it, doubting her eyes, and with a sudden revulsion of feeling dropped into a chair by the table and sat with her face buried in her arms in a flood of tears..