Brett came close behind.
When the mistress of Beechcroft Hall stepped on to the turf in front of the library, a man who was standing under the yews a little way down the avenue moved forward to accost her.
She uttered a little cry of alarm and retreated quickly.
"Why, Davie," cried Helen, "surely it cannot be you!" The stranger made no reply, but paused irresolutely.

Even in the dim light Brett needed no second glance to reveal to him the astounding coincidence that this mysterious prowler was Robert Hume-Frazer.
"Good evening," he said politely.

"Do you wish to see your cousin ?" "And who the devil may you be ?" was the uncompromising answer.
"A friend of Mrs.Capella's." "H'm! I'm glad to hear it.

I thought you could not be that beastly Italian." "You are candour itself; but you have not answered me ?" "About seeing my cousin?
No.

I will call when she is less engaged." He turned to go, but Brett caught him by the shoulder.
"Will you come quietly," he said, "or by the scruff of the neck ?" The other man wheeled round again.