he is very fond of my
mother--they are much attached to each other--but there is no doubt
that Anna works too hard. You can see now," he went on hurriedly, "why
I thought it better to take rooms for myself. I was not in sympathy
with my mother's pursuits; and when I left Oxford I soon began to
realise that life was impossible under my mother's roof. The separation
was painful to us both, and it nearly broke Anna's heart, but at the
present moment I do not think that any of us repents of my action."

"You are all right now, Herrick?"

"Yes, I am all right, as you will see for yourself on Friday. My crib
just suits me. I have excellent companionship when I want it, or
solitude if I prefer it, and though life at Cheyne Walk is a trifle
Bohemian after Queen's Gate, I would not exchange it for a palace."

"I am so glad to hear you say that. But, Herrick, I begin to be afraid,
don't you know, that you will find the Wood House slow. Of course I
think no end of my sisters; but you see they are not young."

"So I imagine," returned Malcolm, who was secretly disposed to agree
with Cedric. Two maiden ladies of uncertain age might be endeared to
their brother; but Malcolm, who was rather fastidious on the subject of
female beauty, was not over-anxious to cultivate their acquaintance.

"Dinah is much older than Elizabeth," continued Cedric confidentially.
"There were two or three brothers and sisters between them, only they
died. She is over forty, you know, and Elizabeth is nearly thirty.
There is a good bit of difference--only she never makes herself out
young. You will be sure to like them," went on the lad eagerly; "they
are good women, and just your sort."

"Oh, I daresay we shall get on first-rate," returned Malcolm
mendaciously, for he was anything but certain of it. "Hallo, old
fellow," interrupting himself, "the storm is over and we can make
tracks now." And then they went out together.

As they parted at the Temple station, Cedric pushed a little sealed
packet into his friend's hand.

"It is the first instalment," he whispered, growing very red; "don't
open it till you get back." But Malcolm's curiosity would not allow him
to wait; and when Cedric had disappeared into the station he broke the
seal. To his surprise there were fifty pounds in notes and gold, the
saving and scrapings of two years.

"Good lad," he murmured approvingly, as he stowed it carefully away in
a breast-pocket, and a thrill of pride and pleas