Deringham saw the change in her and wondered, but resolved to profit by it.

“I want him kept here a little longer.  It is important to me,” he said,

The girl saw the hand of Hallam in this, and surmised that it would not be to Alton’s advantage if he postponed his journey, but she was vindictively bitter against him then, and glanced at her father inquiringly.  It was evident that he was anxious and ill, and she was sensible of a pity that had yet a trace of contempt in it for him.

“Still, I do not see how I could induce him to remain,” she said.

“Well,” said Deringham slowly, “there is a way.  Forel will be here in a minute—­but if you would listen to me.”

Deringham seemed to find a difficulty in commencing, and there was a curious expression in his restless eyes, while once or twice he stopped and proceeded somewhat inconsequently.  He had made tools of a good many men and befooled the public without any especial scruples, but there was a shred of pride left him, and this was the first time he had stooped to drag his daughter into his schemes.  His story lacked plausibility, and the girl was not deceived, but he was her father, and it was his cause she was asked to further against the man who had humiliated her and dispossessed him.  She glanced away from him when he had finished, but her voice was quietly even.

“I think I shall be sorry for it ever afterwards, but I will do what you ask,” she said.

Deringham, who was slightly bewildered by something in her attitude, sighed with relief, and then turned with the grotesque resemblance of a smile in his face to greet Forel, who came in.

“Gillard has been called away south on business and has sent me word he can let me have the places at the opera-house for both nights,” he said.  “No doubt you have seen the great man in England with his regular company, but a treat of the kind is appreciated here, and Gillard bought up a row of places, the best in the house.  My wife is wondering who she should ask, and would like to know if Miss Deringham has any preference.”

Deringham glanced at his daughter, and then smiled at his host.  “One feels a little diffident about returning a favour at somebody else’s expense, but my kinsman Alton was very kind to us in the bush,” he said.

Forel appeared a trifle embarrassed, and Alice Deringham felt her neck grow warm as she watched him.  “We can talk about it later, but I scarcely think Mr. Alton would come just now if he was asked,” he said.

The girl turned away, for she could comprehend Forel’s discomfiture, while as they followed him her father touched her.

“Get Mr. Alton there on the second night, and that is all I ask,” he said.