She had, in truth, two recent letters from Marsham in her pocket at that moment, giving a brilliant and minute account of the Parliamentary situation.

But she hid the fact, warm and close, like a brooding bird; only drawing on her companion to talk politics, that she might hear Marsham's name sometimes, and realize the situation Marsham had described to her, from another point of view .-- And all the time her ear listened for the sound of hoofs, and for the front door bell.
At last! The peal echoed through the old house.

Sir James rose, and, instinctively, Diana rose too.

Was there a smile--humorous and tender--in the lawyer's blue eyes?
"I'll go and finish my cigarette out-of-doors.

Such a tempting afternoon!" And out he hurried, before Diana could stop him.