"It is a surprise, indeed, sir! And I'm heartily glad for to see you again. Not but what you ain't lookin' as you should, sir, not by no means. Them furrin' parts haven't suited you, I'm thinkin'."
"Captivity has not suited me. And I have travelled hard and taken little rest. Who is at home?"
"My mistress, sir, is in the drawing-room; and Miss Keene and Miss Baron. I was about to take lights."
"Wait till I have gone in. And, Drake, you can announce me, but don't say my name so that it can be heard."
Drake obeyed to the letter. He threw open the drawing-room door, and mumbled something inaudible. Denham entered, bowing ceremoniously.
"You can bring lights, Drake," said Mrs. Bryce. The room was dark, and the fire had fallen low.
"Yes, ma'am."
"I'm excessive glad to see you, sir," Mrs. Bryce declared cordially, after a hurried whisper to Polly, "Who did he say, my dear?" Then she turned to Ivor with her welcome. "Mr. Bryce is away, I'm sorry to say, but doubtless you can await his return, and Mr. Baron will be in this minute."
Polly was casting shy glances at him. Something in the outline of his figure, dim though the light was, brought Denham to her mind; but it was not until he spoke that her colour changed fast from pink to white and from white to pink.
"I shouldn't be surprised to be informed, sir, that you are but just home from the war?" said Mrs. Bryce.