He stepped wearily up the second flight of stairs; there was her room! and he groaned almost audibly as he turned into his own.
Inside that bolted door, a listening ear had caught every vibration of his footstep, every tone of his voice, and a tear-stained face was now raised in agonised prayer, over folded hands which held in their clasp a ring hung on a white satin ribbon.
The exclamations of disappointment and regret next morning, when Cardo's empty seat at the breakfast table disclosed their guest's absence, were loud as they were sincere.
"How unfortunate!" said Colonel Meredith.

"I meant to have taken him out fishing to-day; there was a little rain in the night and the Ithon would have been perfect for trout to-day.

Here's his note:-- "DEAR COLONEL MEREDITH--I am grieved to say that some unexpected circumstances necessitate my leaving your hospitable roof and returning home to Cardiganshire at once.

I shall walk to the station and catch the 7.30 train.

Please tender my heart-felt thanks to Mrs.Meredith, and all the other members of your family for their kindness and hospitality.