[CHAPTER XX]
A STRANGE ENCOUNTER
"Is Uncle Ted in?"
Sidney wanted to tell her uncle herself of her engagement. Randolph and she had come down to The Anchorage together, and Mrs. Urquhart had received them rather ceremoniously in the drawing-room. Randolph was a stranger to her; and she had no idea of what had taken place. Sidney, felt unable to break the news to her, and wanted to get away to her uncle, and Mrs. Urquhart was only too pleased to entertain any visitor.
"You will find him in his workshop. He doesn't do much but smoke and sleep there. I'm afraid his working days are over."
Sidney sped away. She did not find her uncle asleep. He was surrounded by papers, and was writing rather laboriously when she entered, but made an attempt to hide his handiwork.
When he saw she was alone he stood up, received her greeting, then turned and locked the door behind her.
"I will have you to myself," he said, rather desperately. "I want to show you something."
Sidney smiled into his anxious-looking face.
"Ethel is entertaining a visitor—Randolph Neville. Do you remember him? He has come home, and is staying with Monnie."