I shall be pleased," said Durrance, but he did not immediately go.

He stood by the window idly swinging to and fro the tassel of the blind.
"I did not know until to-day that it was your plan that I should come home and Ethne stay with you until I found out whether a cure was likely or possible.

It was very kind of you, Mrs.Adair, and I am grateful." "It was a natural plan to propose as soon as I heard of your ill-luck." "And when was that ?" he asked unconcernedly.

"The day after Calder's telegram reached her from Wadi Halfa, I suppose." Mrs.Adair was not deceived by his attitude of carelessness.

She realised that his expression of gratitude had deliberately led up to this question.
"Oh, so you knew of that telegram," she said.