ingsway into, and what they were turning the Law Courts out of, and
even once, by Mr. Crashaw, a word about the Lyceum Theatre, where some
one was playing the Merchant of Venice, which was a fine play and could
do no one any harm.

"But I daresay," said Mr. Crashaw, "that this young lady here goes to
nothing but plays every night of her life."

"Why, Mr. Crashaw," said Caroline, tossing her head. "If that's the
kind of life you fancy I lead you're completely mistaken. Theatres
indeed! Never do I put so much as the tip of my nose inside one. Father
thinks they're wrong and so does Mother say she does, although I know
she likes them, really; but any way that doesn't matter because I never
have a moment to myself--sitting at home sewing, that's the way I spend
my days, Mr. Crashaw."

It was the very last way she really spent them, as Maggie perfectly
well knew. It is not to be supposed that Mr. Crashaw either was
deceived. However, he gave a wicked wink with the eye that was least
rheumatic and said something about "a beautiful young lady like Miss
Smith wasted on sewing and darning," and Caroline smiled and said
something about "one day perhaps"--and Aunt Anne looked remotely
benevolent. What did she think of all this, Maggie wondered? What did
she think of her great preacher, her prophet, wasting the few hours of
life that remained to him over such a business? They had some secret
understanding, perhaps, as though they said to one another, "We know,
you and I, what are our real intentions beneath all this. We only do
what we must."

Understanding or no, Mr. Crashaw sprang up with unexpected activity
when Caroline departed and announced his intention of conducting her to
her door. He made his adieus and then hobbled along after the
rose-coloured silk as though this was his last chance of warming his
hands at the flame of life.

When they were gone, Aunt Anne said:

"I am going back to bed, Maggie, dear. Martha will send me up some
supper later. Elizabeth has gone to Lambeth to see a friend, so make
yourself busy until seven, dear. If I want anything I'll ring."

When she was left alone in the darkening room she stood there thinking.
Why should she not go out and find Martin? She did not care what any
one thought. She would go to his house and ask for him. She had waited
and waited ... She wanted him so, she wanted him so desperately!

Then Martha opened the door and announced him, yes, really announced
him, sayi