CHAPTER XII
A FRIENDLY UNDERSTANDING
Notwithstanding Lucas's assurance, Dot awaited her husband's coming inundisguised trepidation that night.
She had not seen Nap since that brief glimpse of him in the hall whenAnne had so nearly swooned. She did not so much as know if Bertie hadseen him at all. They had not met on the previous evening, but Bertie'saspect had been so thunderous ever since he had heard of his return thatshe had been on thorns lest he should present himself again at the DowerHouse. That he would come sooner or later she knew, but she hoped withall her heart that it might not be when Bertie was at home.
She was convinced, moreover, that Bertie was going to be very angry withher, and her heart sank the more she thought of it. Bertie's anger hadbecome a hard thing to face since he had made her know the depths of histenderness.
The night was chilly, and her suspense made her cold. She sat very closeto the fire in the cosy curtained hall, shivering, and straining herears to catch the sound of his feet on the gravel. She had worked herselfinto a state of anxiety that made her start at the faintest noise.
It was nearing the dinner-hour, and she was beginning to wonder ifperhaps he were staying at Baronmead to dine, though he had never done sobefore without sending her word, when there came the sudden hoot of amotor and the rush of wheels upon the drive.
She sat up, every pulse beating. It must be one of the Baronmead motors.But Bertie always walked.
She heard the car stop at the door, and she rose to her feet, scarcelyknowing what to expect. The next moment the door opened and she heardBertie's voice.
"The car will be all right," he said. "It's a fine night. Go in, won'tyou? I expect Dot is waiting."
And with amazement Dot saw Nap enter the hall in front of her husband.
He came straight to her just as he had come on the previous day, and shehad a moment of sheer panic lest he should have the effrontery to kissher; but he spared her this, though the smile with which he greeted hertold her that he was quite aware of her embarrassment and its cause.
"Bertie has taken upon himself to ask me to dine," he said, as he heldher hand. "I hope that is quite agreeable to Mrs. Bertie?"
"Of course I am delighted," she said, but her eyes sought Bertie'ssomewhat anxiously notwithstanding.
She saw with relief that the cloud had gone from his face. He cameforward, bent, and kissed her. His hand lay upon her shoulder for aninstant with a quick, reassuring touch, and she knew that all was well.
"Heavens, child! How cold you are!" he said. "I'll bring you down ashawl, shall I? Come along, Nap. We are late."
They went upstairs together, and Dot waited below, listening to theirvoices in careless converse and wondering by what means Lucas had wroughtso amazing a change.
She wondered still more during dinner, for Nap was plainly upon his bestbehaviour. He seemed determined that Bertie should be on easy terms withhim, and he was in a great measure successful. Though reticent, Bertiewas undoubtedly cordial.
At the appearance of dessert Nap rose. "I must be getting back toLucas," he said.
"Oh, skittles! He won't be wanting you," Bertie protested. "Sit downagain, man. You haven't been here an hour."
But Nap was not to be persuaded. "Many thanks, but I'm going all thesame. I want to secure him a good night if possible. Good-bye, Mrs.Bertie!" He bent and kissed her hand. "I am going to be pretty busy forthe next week or two, but I shall call on you when I have time."
He took a cigarette from Bertie's case, and went out without stoppingto light it.
Bertie followed him into the hall. "Shall I come?" he asked.
"No," said Nap.
He found a paper spill on the mantelpiece and lighted it. As he held itto his cigarette he looked at Bertie with a smile.
"Remember that day I baited you? It must be about a year ago."
Bertie looked uncomfortable. "I remember," he said shortly.
Abruptly Nap thrust out his hand. "I've eaten your salt now," he said."I'll never bait you again."
Bertie gave his hand. "Is that what you wanted to dine for?"
"Partly." Nap's fingers gripped and held. "Also I wanted to persuade youthat we are fighting for the same thing, only maybe with differentweapons. You'll bear it in mind, eh, friend Bertie?"
Bertie looked at him hard for an instant. "I will," he said impulsively.
"Good!" said Nap laconically. "It isn't going to be a walk over, but Iguess we'll pull it off between us."
"Amen!" said Bertie fervently.
And Nap wrung his hand and departed. For the first time in theirlives there was a friendly understanding between them. For the firsttime Bertie was aware of a human heart throbbing behind thatimpenetrable mask.