There was nothing to meet Ben at the station, and when she reached the Vicarage the first thing she saw was her unopened telegram on the hall table.
Mrs. Bourne was playing golf, said the maid.
Poor Merrill, what ought to be done? Ben wondered. Was it fair to spoil her game? But, on the other hand, was it fair to let her go on and give a chance to malicious tongues?
Ben decided to walk to the links, and no sooner did she get there and observe Merrill and her partner than she realized that in all probability the plus-four man had already arrived.
Merrill, under the solicitous tuition of this tall and very good-looking country gentleman, was about to dig out the ball with a heavy iron when she caught sight of her younger sister.
At first she could not believe it, and then, "Ben, you darling!" she exclaimed, flung away the club and was in her arms.
"Whoever thought of seeing you here!" she went on. "But how splendid! Let me introduce Captain Andrews."
After a few conventional words, the Captain, who had tact as well as good looks, said that since Ben was there he would ask Mrs. Bourne to release him from his engagement to lunch with her; nor would he take any refusal.
For this Ben was very grateful to him, and it set him high in her estimation.
"But I want you to know my sister," said Merrill.
"And I want to know her," he said; "but to-day, I am sure, you have much to talk about. I'll order the car and drive you home."
It was while Merrill was in the club-house that Ben had an opportunity of speaking to the Captain.
"That was very thoughtful of you," she said; and she told him the nature of her errand.
"Good God!" he exclaimed, but in accents, she fancied, more of surprise, or even relief, than of sorrow. "Good God! I think," he added, after a moment, "I'll send my shover with you. Perhaps you will be so kind as to make my apologies to your sister," and he walked away.
"Is Captain Andrews married?" Ben asked, as they whirled along.
"Yes," said Merrill. "Between Petersfield and Midhurst. He's got a beautiful place. And now you darling," she said, "tell me truly why you came down. Much as you love my _beaux yeux_ I know it wasn't for them."
"It was to fill them with tears," said Ben.