When Rupert came to his senses, the surroundings seemed to be familiar. He had lost consciousness on the banks of the Thames, and during a fierce struggle with a treacherous foe. He opened his eyes to find himself in his own bed in his own room at Royabay. But he felt strangely weak and indisposed to talk. After a glance, he closed his eyes again. Then, after what seemed to him to be a few minutes-it was really half an hour-he opened them again, and this time he saw Olivia bending over him with an anxious face. "Dearest," he murmured weakly.
"Oh Rupert, do you know me?"
"Yes. Where am I-what are you doing here?"
"You are at the Abbey. Don't speak. Take this," and some beef tea was held to his dry lips.
Ainsleigh drank a little and then fell asleep again. When he did so there was an art
