Uncle Bob uncrossed his knees and sat bolt upright.  “Madame,” he exclaimed, “I am sorry for your distress, whatever its cause, but let me assure you, you are under some grave mistake.  My niece has met no one clandestinely, and is incapable of deceit and treachery.”

“Do I understand then that it was with your connivance?”

“I have connived at nothing, Madame, and I know of no adventurer.”  Uncle Bob took his penknife from his pocket and tapped on the table with it.  His manner was legal in the extreme.  He was enjoying himself.

Mrs. Pennington looked over her handkerchief.  “But she says, herself——­”

“Says she has been guilty of deceit and treachery?  Has been meeting an adventurer clandestinely?  Pardon me, but this is incredible.”

“What is incredible, Uncle Bob?” came a voice from the half-open door, unmistakably that of the accused.  “I’ll be there as soon as I get off my raincoat,” it added.

“It is hopeless to try to make you understand,” Mrs. Pennington almost sobbed, the while sounds from the hall indicated that some one beside Margaret Elizabeth was removing a raincoat.  A horrible dread suddenly smote her, lest it be that person.  A sleepless night and her distress had unnerved her.  She felt herself unequal to the encounter.

She glanced about helplessly for a way of escape, but there was none.  “Tell him not to come in.  I cannot see him now,” she begged tragically of Uncle Bob, who, honestly mystified now, stood between her and the door, looking from it to her.

“She says not to come in,” he repeated to Margaret Elizabeth’s companion, who was following her in.

“Why, Aunt Eleanor, I didn’t know it was you!  They told me your train was late.  And oh, what is the matter?  What are you crying about?  Is it I?” Margaret Elizabeth, with raindrops on her hair, knelt beside her aunt and embraced her, pressing a cool cheek against that lady’s fevered one.

Mrs. Pennington, her face hidden in her hands, continued to murmur, “I cannot see him.  I cannot see him.”

“In the name of heaven, Eleanor, why can’t you see me?  Why must I not come in?” demanded a familiar voice which brought her to with a shock.

“Gerrard!” she cried, in her surprise revealing a sadly tear-stained countenance.

Uncle Bob beat a retreat into the hall, where he paused, chuckling to himself.

“Certainly it is I. Who should it be?” said her husband, taking a seat beside her.  “Why are you making such a sight of yourself, my dear?  When I telephoned out to know if you had arrived, they said you had and had gone out again immediately, no one knew where.  I came out to talk over some business with William Knight, and when I was leaving I saw your car over here, and thought I’d join you; but if my presence is unbearable, I will withdraw.”  Mr. Pennington smiled at Margaret Elizabeth.

“Don’t be silly, please, I have had a most trying day.  I don’t expect you to understand.”