fever which, while it lasted, came between himself and the whole world,
making all things strange and unreal. And then, just for a moment, a
little shudder passed over her as she thought of the sharp-edged,
shining streets of Paris through which she had passed with downcast,
averted eyes that morning, going straight from station to station and
hating every moment of her passage.

It was hard to forgive Paris for associations which it held for her of
a certain fortnight; it was hard to believe even now that those bitter
and miserable hours contained no more than the pain by which it was
necessary that a dear and erring soul should be taught its lessons. But
at heart she did not doubt that, though she could not forgive Paris for
being the scene of those infinitely sad and pitiful memories. Then she
shook those thoughts off; they concerned that past which was absolutely
dead in so far as it was painful and bitter, and lived only in the
greater tenderness and pity of which her own soul was so full.

There was an affectionate little note of greeting and welcome for her
from Lady Nottingham, which was at once given her, and even as she read
it somewhere overhead a door opened, and like a whirlwind Daisy
descended.

"Oh, Aunt Jeannie," she cried, "how heavenly! Oh, it is quite good
enough to be true. You darling person! I have never liked anything
nearly as much as this minute."

Daisy made a sort of Bacchante of herself as she took her aunt up to the
drawing-room, dancing round her, and ever and again rushing in upon her
for another kiss.

"And I managed everything too beautifully," she said. "Aunt Alice wasn't
sure if she wouldn't put off an engagement in order to be here when you
arrived, and I said she oughtn't to. I put it on moral grounds, and
packed her and Gladys off. And I didn't care half a row of pins for
moral grounds, I only just wanted to get the first half-hour with you
all to myself. And if you aren't pleased at my plan I shall burst into
several tears."

Aunt Jeannie took the dear face between her hands.

"I couldn't have thought of a better plan myself," she said, "and, as
you know, I am rather proud of my plans when I really give my mind to
them. Oh, Daisy, it _is_ good to see you! I don't think a day has
passed without my just longing to have a glimpse at you."

"Oh, is that all?" said Daisy. "I know a day hasn't passed without my
longing to have many glimpses."

"You dear child! You shall have