grass having long resisted the occasional action of wheels and hoofs—­and there stopping, a gentleman, with a valise, got out.  He paid the driver, who immediately turned the vehicle about, and drove away.  The gentleman put his foot upon the bottom step as if he were about to ascend, and then, apparently changing his mind, he picked up his valise, and came directly toward the office, drawing a key from his pocket as he walked.  It was Junius Keswick, and in a few minutes his key was heard in the lock.  As it was not locked the key merely rattled, and Lawrence called out:  “Come in.”  The door opened, and Junius looked in, evidently surprised.  “I beg your pardon,” said he, “I didn’t know you were in here.”

“Please walk in,” said Lawrence.  “I know I am occupying your room, and it is I who should ask your pardon.  But you see the reason why it was thought well that I should not have stairs to ascend.”  And he pointed to his bandaged foot.

“Have you hurt yourself?” asked Junius, with an air of concern.

And then Lawrence gave an account of his accident, expressing at the same time his regret that he found himself occupying the room which belonged to the other.

“Oh, don’t mention that,” said Junius, who had taken a seat near the window.  “There are rooms enough in the house, and I shall be perfectly comfortable.  It was quite right in my aunt to have you brought in here, and I should have insisted upon it, myself, if I had been at home.  I expected to be away for a week or more, but I have now come back on account of your letter.”

“Does that need explanation?” asked Lawrence.

“Not at all,” said Junius.  “I had no difficulty in understanding it, although I must say that it surprised me.  But I came because I am not satisfied with the condition of things here, and I wish to be on the spot.  I do not understand why you and Miss March should be invited here during my absence.”

“That I do not understand either,” said Lawrence, quickly, “and I wish to impress it on your mind, Mr Keswick, that when I came here, I not only expected to find you, but a party of invited guests.  I will say, however, that I came with the express intention of meeting Miss March, and having that interview with her which I could not have in her uncle’s house.”

“I was not entirely correct,” said Junius, “when I said that I did not know why these rather peculiar arrangements had been made.  My aunt is a very managing person, and I think I perceive her purpose in this piece of management.”  “She is opposed to a marriage between you and Miss March?”

“Most decidedly,” said Junius.  “Has she told you so?”

“No,” said Lawrence, “but it has gradually dawned upon me that such is the case.  I believe she would be glad to have Miss March married, and out of your way.”

Junius made no answer to this remark, but sat silent for a few moments.  Then he said:  “Well, have you settled it with Miss March?”