safe and in comfort. I really--I do really think
mother is right.'

Before Adela could make any reply there sounded a knock at the front
door; Richard came in. He cast a glance round at the three. The
others might have escaped his notice, but Mrs. Waltham was too plainly
perturbed.

'Has anything happened?' he asked in an offhand way.

'I am distressed, more than I can tell you,' began his mother-in-law.
'Surely you did not mean what you said about the money--'

'Mother!' came from Adela's lips, but she checked herself.

Mutimer thrust his hands into his pockets and stood smiling.

'Yes, I meant it.'

'But, pray, what are you and Adela going to live upon?'

'I don't think we shall have any difficulty.'

'But surely one must more than _think_ in a matter such as this. You
mustn't mind me speaking plainly, Richard. Adela is my only daughter,
and the thought of her undergoing needless hardships is so dreadful to
me that I really must speak. I have a plan, and I am sure you will see
that it is the very best for all of us. Allow Adela to remain with me
for a little while, just till you have--have made things straight. It
certainly would ease your mind. She is so very welcome to a share of our
home. You would feel less hampered. I am sure you will consent to this.'

Mutimer's smile died away. He avoided Mrs. Waltham's face, and let his
eyes pass in a cold gaze from Letty, who almost shrank, to Adela, who
stood with an air of patience.

'What do you say to this?' he asked of his wife, in a tone civil indeed,
but very far from cordial.

'I have been trying to show mother that I cannot do as she wishes. It
is very kind of her, but, unless you think it would be better for me to
stay, I shall of course accompany you.'

'You can stay if you like.'

Adela understood too well what that permission concealed.

'I have no wish to stay.'

Mutimer turned his look on Mrs. Waltham, without saying anything.

'Then I can say no more,' Mrs. Waltham replied. 'But you must understand
that I take leave of my daughter with the deepest concern. I hope you
will remember that her health for a long time has been anything but
good, and that she was never accustomed to do hard and coarse work.'

'We won't talk any more of this, mother,' Adela interposed firmly. 'I am
sure you need have no fear that I shall be tried beyond my strength. You
must remember that I go with my husband.'

The high-hearted one! She would have died rather