ig eyes? I should be in the way, and I
should _feel_ in the way, and--"

Mr Judge interrupted in an urgent voice:

"Look here, Claire, I don't think you ought to corner me like this.
It's not fair. I've told you that I am prepared to do everything for
your happiness. You ought surely to realise that I--"

"And _you_ ought to realise that I--" Claire broke off suddenly, and
held out her hand with a charming smile. "Oh, but there's plenty of
time--we can arrange all that later on. Let's go and find mother and
put her out of her misery. She will be longing to see us come back."

They walked down the avenue together, and, as they went, Claire turned
her head from side to side, taking in the well-known scene with wistful
intensity. How many times would she see it again? As she had said,
many discussions would certainly take place as to her future
destination, but she knew in her heart that the result was sure.
Providence had decided or her. The future was London and work!

CHAPTER THREE.

MRS. GIFFORD IS MARRIED.

Claire lost no time in writing to Miss Farnborough to apply for the post
of French mistress if it were still vacant, and by return of post
received a cordial reply. Several applications had been received, but
no appointment had been made, and the Head was pleased to confirm her
previous offer of a commencing salary of a hundred and ten pounds, and
would expect Miss Gifford to take up her duties at the beginning of the
autumn term. She congratulated her on her decision, and felt sure she
would never regret devoting her life to so interesting and valuable a
work, instead of being content to waste it in the pursuit of idle
pleasure.

Poor Claire looked a little dubious as she read those last words. The
pursuit of pleasure does not as a rule begin to pall at twenty-one; and
the old life looked very sweet and pleasant viewed from the new
standpoint of change. She put on a bright face, however, and sternly
repressed all signs of depression in discussing the matter with her
mother and Mr Judge. Her determination evoked the expected opposition,
but slowly and surely the opposition decreased, and her arguments were
listened to with increasing respect. The lovers were sincerely desirous
of securing the girl's happiness, but middle-aged though they were, they
were deeply in love, and felt a natural desire to begin their married
life without the presence of a third person, however dear that person