The bull-terrier had acquired a satisfactory grip on Wolf's throat, but his mistress ruthlessly squeezed his windpipe and he had to let go. Mr. Amberley swung Wolf back and held him.

The girl clipped a leash on the bull-terrier's collar and at last looked up. "It was your dog's fault," she began and broke off, staring in a startled way at Mr. Amberley and growing rather pale.

"It usually is," said Frank coolly. "But I don't think your dog's hurt."

Her eyes fell. "No," she said and would have moved away had not Felicity come up.

"I say,. I'm most awfully sorry!" Felicity said. "I ought to have had him on the lead. I do hope he hasn't hurt your dog?"

The other girl smiled rather scornfully. "Rather the other way round, I should say."

Felicity was surveying her with friendly interest. "Aren't you the girl that's living at Ivy Cottage?" she inquired.

"My brother and I have taken it furnished."

"Are you going to stay long? You are Shirley Brown, aren't you? I'm Felicity Matthews. This is my cousin, Frank Amberley."

Miss Brown bowed slightly, but she did not look at Mr. Amberley.

"I rather wanted to get to know you," persevered Felicity. "I'm awfully glad we got ourselves introduced. There are practically no young people in this benighted place. Do you know Miss Fountain?"

The girl shook her head. "No, I'm afraid I don't go out much. My - my brother is rather an invalid."

"Oh, bad luck!" sympathised Felicity. Joan, this is Miss Brown, who is living at Ivy Cottage."

"May I suggest," interposed Frank, "that you are obstructing the traffic?"

Felicity became aware of an indignant motorist who was violently sounding his hooter. She drew the rather unwilling Miss Brown on to the pavement. "Have you heard the news?" she asked. "The Fountains' butler has been murdered! Isn't it awful?"