thes,
and there were quite a number of bills. I'll send more by and by, and
remember always to say if you run short. I want you to have plenty for
all you need. With what you have, this will see you nicely through your
first term, and after that you'll be quite rich."

Claire kissed her, and was careful not to look at the cheque until she
was alone. She had counted on at least a hundred to put in the bank as
a refuge against a rainy day. Surely at this parting of the ways mother
would wish her to have this security; but when she looked at her cheque,
it was to discover that it was made out for fifty pounds--only half that
sum. Claire felt sore at that moment, and for the first time a chill of
fear entered into her anticipations. Fifty pounds seemed a dreadfully
small sum to stand between herself and want. A hundred might be only
twice its value, but its three figures sounded so much more substantial.
She struggled hard to allow no signs of resentment to be seen, and felt
that virtue was rewarded, when late that evening Mr Judge presented her
with yet another envelope, saying awkwardly--

"That's--er--that's the bridesmaid's present. Thought you'd like to
choose for yourself. Something to do, you know, some fine half-holiday,
to go out and look in the shops. I've no views--don't get jewellery
unless you wish. Just--er--`blew it' your own way!"

Claire kissed him, and remarked that he was a sweet old dear; and this
time the opening of the envelope brought a surprise of an agreeable
nature, for this cheque also was for fifty pounds, so that the desired
hundred was really in her possession. No jewellery for her! Into the
bank the money should go--every penny of it, and her bridesmaid present
should be represented by peace of mind, which, after the financial shock
of the last month, seemed more precious than many rubies.

Mr and Mrs Judge were married at the Embassy, and afterwards at an
English church, the bride looking her most charming self in a costume of
diaphanous chiffon and lace and the most fascinating of French hats, and
the bridegroom his worst in his stiff conventional garments. They were
a very radiant couple, however, and the _dejeuner_ held after the
ceremony at the "Hotel Britannique" was a cheerful occasion, despite the
parting which lay ahead.

The gathering was quite a large one, for Mr Judge had insisted upon
inviting all the friends who had been kind to his _fiancee_ and her
daughter