tobacco-smoke took his graceful visitor in the throat and set him coughing and grimacing. 

 “I see,” he choked, “that ye have acquired that filthy habit.” 

 “I have known filthier,” said Sir Oliver composedly. 

 “I nothing doubt it,” rejoined Master Godolphin, thus early giving indications of his humour and the object of his visit. 

 Sir Oliver checked an answer that must have helped his visitor to his ends, which was no part of the knight’s intent. 

 “Therefore,” said he ironically, “I hope you will be patient with my shortcomings. Nick, a chair for Master Godolphin and another cup. I bid you welcome to Penarrow.” 

 A sneer flickered over the younger man’s white face. “You pay me a compliment, sir, which I fear me ’tis not mine to return to you.” 

 “Time enough for that when I come to seek it,” said Sir Oliver, with easy, if assumed, good humour. 

 “When you come to seek it?” 

 “The hospitality of your house,” Sir Oliver explained. 

 “It is on that very matter I am come to talk with you.” 

 “Will you sit?” Sir Oliver invited him, and spread a hand towards the chair which Nicholas had set. In the same gesture he waved the servant away. 

 Master Godolphin ignored the invitation. “You were,” he said, “at Godolphin Court but yesterday, I hear.” He paused, and as Sir Oliver offered no denial, he added stiffly: “I am come, sir, to inform you that the honour of your visits is one we shall be happy to forgo.” 

 In the effort he made to preserve his self-control before so direct an affront Sir Oliver paled a little under his tan. 

 “You will understand, Peter,” he replied slowly, “that you have said too much unless you add something more.” He paused, considering his visitor a moment. “I do not know whether Rosamund has told you that yesterday she did me the honour to consent to become my wife....” 

 “She is a child that does not know her mind,” broke in the other. 

 “Do you know of any good reason why she should come to change it?” asked Sir Oliver, with a slight air of challenge. 

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