Miss Muir had been quietly feeding one of Edward's hounds, but at the nameshe looked up and met Coventry's eyes, coloring so distressfully that hepitied her. Why he should take the trouble to cover her confusion, hedid not stop to ask himself, but seeing the curl of Lucia's lip, hesuddenly addressed her with an air of displeasure, "Do you know thatDean is getting impertinent? She presumes too much on her age and yourindulgence, and forgets her place."

"What has she done?" asked Lucia freezingly.

"She troubles herself about my affairs and takes it upon herself to keepGeorgeson in order."

Here Coventry told about the letter and the woman's evident curiosity.

"Poor Dean, she gets no thanks for reminding you of what you hadforgotten. Next time she will leave your letters to their fate, andperhaps it will be as well, if they have such a bad effect upon yourtemper, Gerald."