Bernard laugh. "But it does make a fellow furious to hear his nearest—I won't say dearest—think so badly of one." [pg 56] "One's relatives always think the worst," said Conniston, oracularly. "Miss Plantagenet thinks so badly of me that I'll never see that five thousand a year. Miss Malleson will have it, and you, Bernard, will live on it. Pax! Pax!" for Bernard gave him a punch on the shoulder. "Dick, you're a silly ass! Go on, Durham." "Well," said Durham, beginning in his invariable manner, "I fancy that Beryl is up to some trick. You have not been near the place; so someone made up to impersonate you is sneaking round. Of course, there is the other alternative, Mrs. Gilroy may be telling a lie!" "She wouldn't," rejoined Gore, quickly. "She is on my side." "So you told me. But your grandfather thinks otherwise. We were talking about you the other day." "And Sir Simon said no good of me," was Bernard's remark. "But what is to be done?" "Only one thing. Go and see your grandfather and have the matter sifted. If Mrs. Gilroy is lying you can make her prove the truth. If she tells the truth, you can see if Beryl has a hand in the matter." Gore rose and began to pace the room. "I should like to see my grandfather," said he, "as I want to apologise for my behavior. But I am afraid if we come together there will be trouble." "I daresay—if Beryl is at his elbow. Therefore, I do not advise you to call at Crimea Square. But when [pg 57] Sir Simon goes down to the Hall again, you can make it your business to see him and set matters right." [pg 57] "I am afraid that is impossible," said Gore, gloomily, "unless I give up Alice, and that I won't do." He struck the table hard. "Don't spoil the furniture, Bernard," said Conniston, lighting a cigarette. "You do what Mark says. Go down to Hurseton." "I don't want to be known in this kit, and I have parted with my plain clothes," objected the other. "You always were an impulsive beast," said Conniston, with the candour of a long friendship. "Well, then"—he rose and crossed to the writing-table—"I'll scrawl a note to Mrs. Moon telling her to put you up
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