"Go away—?" I stared at him. "What for?"
"Why should I force myself on that poor, tortured child? Think of her feelings towards me. She must loathe the sound of my name."
"Jaff Chayne," said I, "I believe you're afraid of mice."
He frowned. "What the blazes do you mean?"
"You're in a blue funk at the idea of meeting Doria."
"Rot," said Jaffery.
But he was.
Franklin summoned us to luncheon. We went into the drawing-room where the rest of our little party were assembled, Susan and her governess, Liosha, Barbara and Doria. Doria stepped forward valiantly with outstretched hand, looking him squarely in the face.
"Welcome back, Jaffery. It's good to see you again."
Jaffery grew very red and bending over her hand muttered something into his beard.