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134 BLACK SHEEP.to the area-railings and door-stepsto Thomasbefore she entered the house. He listenedgravely,promised to attend to these matters, and thensaid:" Mr.Dallas has been here some time,ma'am.""Indeed!" said Clare, pausing just inside thehall-door." IsMr. Felton not here ?"" He yvill be here directly, ma'am. He cameyvith Mr.Dallas, but went away again.IshowedMr. Dallas into the study, ma'am."Clare felt rather embarrassed. She wishedMrs. Stanhope had been with her — she wishedMr. Felton had remained until she came, or hadtaken his nephew yvith him. It yvas so awkwardto have to introduce herself to George Dallas,a stranger, and yet not exactly a stranger. Shehesitated;her colour rose. What should she do ?What was not the easiest or pleasantest thingto do — for that would be to go to the drawingroomand remain there until Mr. Felton shouldcome, leaving Mr. Dallas to a similar vigil inthe study — but the kindest. Clearly, to giveMrs. Carruthers's son the friendliest greeting inher power, to show him, in her little way, how