“That’s right; it will do you good to cry,” murmured Stargarde.

“There is some one at the door,” said Vivienne presently. “Let me get up, dear Stargarde.”

“It’s only Mary with the milk; come in, Mary.”

“It’s not Mary,” said a well-known voice. “Beg pardon for interrupting so charming a tableau. You missed that, Armour,” and Dr. Camperdown turned to his friend, who was following him.

“Not altogether,” said Mr. Armour, with a swift glance at Stargarde’s amused face and Vivienne’s flushed one.

“What an unexpected honor!” said Stargarde, gayly shaking hands with them. “You,” looking at Armour, “rarely honor us with a visit.”

“And I come too often, I suppose,” said Camperdown gruffly. “Take off your coat, Armour; we’ll stay a little while.”

CHAPTER XIX
BROTHER AND SISTER

Armour, after hanging up his coat, sat down in a corner of the little room.

“You don’t often come to town in the evening, Stanton,” said Stargarde.