His next words were spoken in a sadly helpless bewildered way, " I have an idea, Julian, that I have been somewhat to blame. I said some hard words to you. It was a little while since. I don't clearly remember what it was all about. My temper has been a good deal tried in this house ; I have never been used to the sort of thing that goes on here — secrets and mysteries, and hateful low-lived quarrels. We have no secrets and mysteries at home. And as for quarrels — ridiculous ! My mother and my sisters are highly-bred women (you know them), gentlewomen in the best sense of the word. When I am with them I have no anxieties. I am not harassed at home by doubts of who people are, and confusion about names, and so on. I suspect the contrast weighs a little on my mind, and upsets it. They make me over-suspicious among them here — and it ends in my feeling doubts and fears that I can't get ovor : doubts about you, and fears about myself. I have got a fear about myself now. I want you to help me. Shall I make an apology first ?" "Don't say a word. Tell me what I can do." He turned his face towards Julian for the first time. "Just look at me," he said. " Does it Btrike you that I am at all wrong in my mind ? Tell me truth, old fellow." "Your nerves are a little shaken, Ho race. Nothing more." He considered again, after that reply ; his eyes remaining anxiously fixed on Julian's face. " My nerves are a little shaken," he re peated. " That is true ; I feel they are shaken. I should like, if you don't mind, to make sure that it's no worse. Will you help me to try if my memory is all right?" " I will do anything you like." " Ah 3 You are a good fellow, Julian — and a clear-headed fellow, too, which is very important just now. Look here ! I say it's about a week since the troubles began in this house. 