“Well?” Reluctantly he paused.

“I—­only want to know,” she spoke with some effort, “what there is about—­Mr. Green that—­that makes you so fond of him.”

“Oh, that!” He stood hesitating.  But there were certainly footsteps in the conservatory; he heard them with relief.  “I’ll tell you some other time, my dear,” he said gently.  “Here comes Juliet to turn me out!”

He turned to the window as she entered and greeted her with a smile.  Vera was still clinging to his hand.

“May I come in?” said Juliet, stopping on the threshold.

“Yes, of course, come in!” Vera said.  “We have been talking about you, Juliet.  Will you come for a voyage with us in Lord Saltash’s yacht?”

Juliet came slowly forward.  Her face was pale.  She was holding a letter in her hand.  She looked from one to the other for a second or two in silence.

“Are you sure,” she said, in her low quiet voice, “that you wouldn’t rather go alone?”

“Not unless you would rather not come,” said the squire.

“Thank you,” she said.  “May I—­think about it?”

The squire was looking at her attentively.  “What is the matter?” he said suddenly.

She met his look steadily, though he felt it to be with an effort.  Then quietly she turned to Vera.

“I have just had a letter,” she said, “from a friend who is in trouble.  Do you think you can spare me—­for a little while?”

Vera stretched a hand to her.  “My dear Juliet, I am so sorry.  Of course you shall go.  What is it?  What has happened?”

Juliet came to her, took and held the hand.  “You are very kind,” she said.  “But I don’t want you to be troubled too.  There is no need.  You are sure you will be all right without me?”

“You will come back to me?” Vera said.

“I will certainly come back,” Juliet made steadfast answer, “even if I can’t stay.  But now that you are able to sit up, you will need me less.  You will take care of her, Mr. Fielding?” looking up at him.

He nodded.  “You may be sure of that—­the utmost care.  When must you go?”

He was still looking at her closely; his eyes deeply searching.

Juliet hesitated.  “Do you think—­to-night?” she said.

“Certainly.  Then you will want a car.  Have you told Lord Saltash?” He turned to the door.

“No, I have only just heard.  I believe he has gone to town.”  Juliet gently laid down the hand she was holding.  “I will come back,” she said again, and followed him.

He drew the door closed behind them.  They faced each other in the dimness of the hall.  The squire’s mouth was twitching uncontrollably.  “Now, Juliet!” His voice had a ring of sternness; he put his hand on her shoulder, gripping unconsciously.  “For heaven’s sake—­” he said—­“out with it!  It isn’t—­Dick?”

“No—­Robin!” she said.

“Ah!” He drew a deep breath and straightened himself, his other hand over his eyes.  Then in a moment he was looking at her again.  His grip relaxed.  “Forgive me!” he said.  “Did I hurt you?”