"At dinner?"

"No-o," responded Mrs. Belswin, doubtfully; "I'm tired after my journey, so I'll have my dinner here. Afterwards I will ask for an interview with Sir Rupert, so you and your papa can dine tête-à-tête."

"No, I'm sure we can't," said Kaituna, in rather a tone of relief; "Mr. Dombrain is here."

Mrs. Belswin faced round rapidly.

"Dombrain!" she echoed aghast. "Your father's solicitor."

"Yes."

"Now what does he want here, I wonder?" muttered Mrs. Belswin, more to herself than to her auditor.

"He came down to make papa's will, I think," said Kaituna.

"His will!" echoed Mrs. Belswin, struck with a sudden thought. "Kaituna, if your father dies, will he leave you well off?"

"Oh, I don't want papa to die."