"What?"

"Oh nothing, nothing," replied Beaumont airily. "I'll tell you all about it in a week."

Nestley did not reply, but stood silently looking at the ground, on seeing which, Beaumont drew his arm within his own, with a gay laugh.

"Come along," he said cheerfully, "we'll walk back to Garsworth, and you can tell me all about the Squire and his picture."

[CHAPTER VII.]

THE HOUSEKEEPER.

Like a lone mountain white with virgin snow,

Which holds within its breast eternal fire

This woman cold and pale with face of woe

Yet feels at heart an unappeased desire.