"I am sure she has no further claim upon us," said Mrs. Heron, with a
sniff, "and I hope you will make it plain, John, that on no account can
we take her back. We have been put to considerable trouble and expense,
and I really think that her going without any fuss is quite
providential."

At this moment there came a double knock at the door, and the servant
announced that Mr. Wordley was in the drawing-room. Mr. and Mrs. Heron
exchanged glances, and both of them turned rather pale; for John Heron
had a very vivid recollection of Mr. Wordley's frank and candid manner
of expressing himself. But he had to be faced, and the pair went down
into the drawing-room with a long-suffering expression on their faces.

Mr. Wordley, however, appeared to be quite cheerful. He shook hands
with both of them, and enquired after their health and that of their
family quite amiably and pleasantly.

"Most delightful weather, isn't it?" he remarked. "Quite pleasant
travelling. You have a remarkably--or--convenient house, Mrs. Heron:
charming suburb: will no doubt be quite gay and fashionable when it
is--er--more fully developed. You are looking well, Mr. Heron."

Mr. Heron, whatever he may have looked, was feeling anything but well
at that moment; for he suspected than the lawyer was only masking his
attack, and that he meant to spring upon him presently.