e lend her money till she was well enough to
'look round'?

Miss. French at once took the girl into her own home, and had her looked
after. Fanny coughed in an alarming way; the doctor, speaking privately
with Beatrice, made an unpleasant report; was it possible to send the
patient to a mild climate for the winter months? Yes, Miss. French could
manage that, and would. A suitable attendant having been procured, Fanny
was despatched to Bournemouth, whence, in a day or two, she wrote to her
sister thus:

'You've been awfully kind to me, and I shan't forget it when I'm well
again. Feel a good deal fitter already. Dullish place this, but I've got
to put up with it. I've had a letter from Ada. If you see her, tell her
she's a beast, and I wish Arthur would wring her scraggy neck. She says
it's all my own fault; wait till I'm back again, and I'll pay her a
call. My own fault indeed! It seems to me I'm very much to be pitied.'

Walking one day along the sea-front by herself, Fanny observed a young
man's figure a few paces in advance of her, which seemed to awaken
recollections. Presently the young man turned and showed, beyond doubt,
the countenance of Horace Lord. He met her eyes, gave a doubtful,
troubled look, and was going past when Fanny accosted him.

'Well, don't you know me?'

'Why, it _is_--it really _is_! How glad I am to see you! But what on
earth are you doing here?'

'Amusing myself--_comme vous voyez_; and you?'

'Oh, doing the same.'

They had shaken hands, and were sauntering on together.

'Anything wrong with your health?' Fanny asked, scrutinising the pale
thin face, with its touch of warmth on the cheeks.

'Oh, I've had a bit of a cold; nothing to speak of. You been out of
sorts?'

'A little run down. Over-study, they say.'

Horace looked his surprise.

'Why, I didn't know you went in for that kind of thing.'

'Didn't you? I've been studying abroad for a long time. Thinking of
taking a place as French teacher in some tip-top high school.'

'I am very glad to hear it. Capital idea. Sure I hope you'll be
successful.'

'Thanks awf'ly. Tell me something about yourself. Why, it's two years
since we saw each other, isn't it? Are you married yet?'

Horace smiled and coloured.

'No, no--not yet. I'm in business with Luckworth Crewe,--sort of
sleeping partner just now.'

'Are you really? And how's your sister?'

The young man bent his brows uncomfortably.

'Don't you know anything about he