* * * * *
As he read the last word, Manisty flung the sheets down upon the table beside him, and rising, he began to pace the room with his hands upon his sides, frowning and downcast. When he came to Mrs. Burgoyne's chair he paused beside her—
'I don't see what it has to do with the book. It is time lost'—he said to her abruptly, almost angrily.
'I think not,' she said, smiling at him. But her tone wavered a little, and his look grew still more irritable.
'I shall destroy it!'—he said, with energy—'nothing more intolerable than ornament out of place!'
'Oh don't!—don't alter it at all!' said a quick imploring voice.
Manisty turned in astonishment.
Lucy Foster was looking at him steadily. A glow of pleasure was on her cheek, her beautiful eyes were warm and eager. Manisty for the first time observed her, took note also of the loosened hair and Eleanor's cloak.
'You liked it?' he said with some embarrassment. He had entirely forgotten that she was in the room.
She drew a long breath.