tha the tactless, blurting out her thoughts as
usual, and beaming round the company, unconscious of the consternation
which her words had caused.

Maud flushed crimson. Elsie and Nan blushed in sympathy for her
confusion, and Chrissie from sheer rage and irritation, and longing to
take the big, blind blunderer by the shoulder and administer a good
shaking. Only Lilias remained cool and self-possessed, and came to the
rescue with a change of subject, for which her sisters blessed her in
their hearts.

No further reference was made to Ned Talbot that evening, nor was any
letter forwarded to his London address; but next day, as Maud passed the
morning-room on some domestic errand, a voice called her by name, and
she entered, to find her mother seated before an open desk.

"I am writing to Ned Talbot," she said, "and I wanted to consult you
before finishing. I think the time has come for plain speaking, Maud.
Am I to tell this young fellow that we shall be pleased to see him or
no? It has been easy to see that he has had a special attraction in
this house for some years past; and now that his position is
established, he may have made up his mind to state his wishes. I have
little doubt what they will be, nor, I think, have you, so it lies with
you to decide the question."

Maud laid down her bundle, and grasped the sides of the table to steady
her trembling hands.

"Mother, I don't know--I'm not certain! I have only thought at times
that perhaps--perhaps he cared--"

"Of course, dear. I understand that. He could not show his feelings
too plainly while he was unprepared to speak. That is all right, I'm
sure. What you have to consider is your own attitude. If you do not
care for him, or do not wish to be hurried into a decision, we will
postpone this visit until a future occasion. He himself doubted whether
I could receive him so soon after our return, so that I can easily make
an excuse. On the other hand, Maud, if you would like to see him--"

She paused significantly, and looked full into Maud's eyes. For a long
silent minute that gaze continued, the mother sitting with raised head,
the girl standing before her, flushed and shy, yet showing no sign of
shrinking before her scrutiny.

"Yes, mother, I would. I'd rather you let him come!"

A quiver passed over Mrs Rendell's face, and her eyes dropped. No
mother in the world can hear that her daughter's heart has gone beyond
her keeping, without feeli