She had not heard from Frank for nearly three weeks; his last communication had been a picture postcard of Selby Abbey, with the initial “F” neatly printed at the back.  But she was not very greatly upset.  She had written her letter as she had promised, and had heard from Jack Kirkby, to whose care she sent it, that he had no idea of Frank’s whereabouts, and that he would send on the letter as soon as he knew more.  She supposed that Frank would communicate with her again as soon as he thought proper.

Other circumstances to be noted were that Dick had gone back to town some while ago, but would return almost immediately now for the grouse-shooting; that Archie and Lord Talgarth were both up at the house—­indeed, she had caught sight of them in the red-curtained chancel-pew this morning, and had exchanged five words with them both after the service—­and that in all other respects other things were as they had been a month ago.

The Dean of Trinity had telegraphed in great dismay on the morning following his first communication that Frank had gone, and that no one had the slightest idea of his destination; he had asked whether he should put detectives on the track, and had been bidden, in return, politely but quite firmly, to mind his own business and leave Lord Talgarth’s younger son to Lord Talgarth.

It was a sleepy afternoon, even up here among the hills, and Jenny had not read many pages before she became aware of it.  The Rectory garden was an almost perfect place for a small doze; the yews about her made a grateful shade, and the limes behind them even further cooled the air, and, when the breeze awoke, as one talking in his sleep, the sound about her was as of gentle rain.  The air was bright and dusty with insects; from the limes overhead, the geranium beds, and the orchard fifty yards away, came the steady murmur of bees and flies.

Jenny woke up twenty minutes later with a sudden start, and saw someone standing almost over her.  She threw her feet down, still bewildered by the sudden change and the glare on which she opened her eyes, and perceived that it was Jack Kirkby, looking very dusty and hot.

“I am so sorry,” said Jack apologetically, “but I was told you were out here.”

She did not know Jack very well, though she had known him a long time.  She looked upon him as a pleasant sort of boy whom she occasionally met at lawn-tennis parties and flower shows, and things like that, and she knew perfectly how to talk to young men.

“How nice of you to came over,” she said.  “Did you bicycle?  Have something to drink?”

She made room for him on the seat and held out her second cigarette.

“It’s your last,” said Jack.

“I’ve lots more in the house.”

She watched him as he lit it, and as the last shreds of sleep rolled away, put the obvious question.

“You’ve news of Frank?”

Jack threw away the match and drew two or three draughts of smoke before answering.