Aunt Juley was silent, ruminating. The clock ticked, the Times crackled, the fire sent forth its rustling purr. Aunt Juley dropped another stitch.

“Hester,” she said, “I have had such a dreadful thought.”

“Then don’t tell me,” said Aunt Hester quickly.

“Oh! but I must. You can’t think how dreadful!” Her voice sank to a whisper:

“Jolyon⁠—Jolyon, they say, has a⁠—has a fair beard, now.”

Progress of the Chase

Two days after the dinner at James’, Mr. Polteed provided Soames with food for thought.