Perhaps Mrs. Errol could have pierced the veil of civilisation in which Nap had wrapped himself had she desired to do so, but she was the last person in the world to attempt such an invasion.  There never had been the faintest streak of sympathy between them.  Neither was there any tangible antagonism, for each by mutual consent avoided all debatable ground.  But there existed very curiously a certain understanding each of the other which induced respect if it did not inspire confidence.  Without deliberately avoiding each other they yet never deliberately came in contact, and, though perfectly friendly in their relations, neither ever offered to cross the subtle dividing line that stretched between them.  They were content to be acquaintances merely.

Anne often marvelled in private at Mrs. Errol’s attitude towards her adopted son, but the subject was never mentioned between them.  Often she would recall Capper’s words and wonder if they had expressed the literal truth.  She wondered, too, what Capper would say to his ally when he returned at the end of the summer and found the charge he had laid upon her unfulfilled.  But, after all, Capper was scarcely more than a stranger, and it seemed to her, upon mature reflection, that he had been inclined to exaggerate the whole matter.  She did not believe that Lucas’s welfare depended upon Nap’s absence.  Indeed, there were times when it actually seemed to her that he relied upon Nap for support that none other could give.  Moreover, he was growing daily stronger, and this of itself seemed proof sufficient that Nap was at least no hindrance to his progress.  She knew also that Nap was using his utmost influence to persuade him to undergo the operation when Capper should return in September; but she had no opportunity for furthering his efforts, for Lucas never referred to the matter in her hearing.  If he had yet made his decision he imparted it to none.  He seemed to her to be like a soldier awaiting orders to move, with that steadfast patience which had become his second nature.  She knew that he would never act upon impulse, and she admired him for it.

Dot, who heard all from Bertie, wondered how he could ever hesitate.  But Dot was young and possessed of an abundant energy which knew no flagging.  Her vigorous young life was full of schemes, and she knew not what it was to stand and wait.  She was keenly engaged just then in company with Mrs. Damer, Mrs. Randal, and a few more, in organising an entertainment in support of the Town Hall and Reading Club, to which Lucas Errol had promised his liberal support.  It was no secret that he had offered to supply the whole of the necessary funds, but, as Dot remarked, it was not to be a charity and Baronford was not so poor-spirited as to be entirely dependent upon American generosity.  So Lucas was invited to give his substantial help after Baronford had helped itself, which Dot was fully determined it should do to the utmost of its capacity.