Clara’s eyes began to dilate with a sort of terror. Tarbot looked away from her.

“We won’t talk any more of your health now,” he said after a pause. “We will get to business.”

She gave him a pleading glance, and then with a heavy sigh lowered her eyes.

“I am all attention,” she said.

“Pelham has been here,” said Tarbot.

“Is he here now?”

“No; I turned him out.”

“Good Heavens, Luke! Why?”

“Because he insulted me.”

“What do you mean?”