ome. And it's very likely I shall be no
better off. There are things in the book which will scarcely recommend
it to the British parent. But it shall be published, if it is at my own
expense. If it comes to the worst, I shall sell my mining shares to
Woodstock."

"After all," said Julian, smiling, "you are a capitalist."

"Yes, and much good it does me."

Since that first evening Julian had refrained from speaking to his wife
about Ida, beyond casual remarks and questions which could carry no
significance. Harriet likewise had been silent. As far as could be
observed, however, she seemed to take a pleasure in Ida's society, and,
as Julian said, with apparently good result to herself. She was more at
home than formerly, and her health even seemed to profit by the change.
Still, there was something not altogether natural in all this, and
Julian could scarcely bring himself to believe in the happy turn things
seemed to be taking. In Harriet herself there was no corresponding
growth of cheerfulness or good-nature. She was quiet, but with a
quietness not altogether pleasant; it was as though her thoughts were
constantly occupied, as never hitherto; and her own moral condition was
hardly likely to be the subject of these meditations. Julian, when he
sat reading, sometimes became desperately aware of her eyes being fixed
on him for many minutes at a time. Once, on this happening, he looked
up with a smile.

"What is it, dear?" he asked, turning round to her. "You are very
quiet. Shall I put away the book and talk?"

"No; I'm all right."

"You've been much better lately, haven't you?" he said, taking her hand
playfully. "Let me feel your pulse; you know I'm half a doctor."

She drew it away peevishly. But Julian, whom a peaceful hour had made
full of kindness, went on in the same gentle way.

"You don't know how happy it makes me to see you and Ida such good
friends. I was sure it would be so. Don't you feel there is something
soothing in her society? She speaks so gently, and always brings a sort
of sunshine with her."

Harriet's lips curled, very slightly, but she said nothing.

"When are you going to see her again? It's hardly fair to let the
visiting be always on her side, is it?"

"I shall go when I feel able. Perhaps to-morrow."

Julian presently went back to his book again. If he could have seen the
look Harriet turned upon him when his face was averted, he would not
have read so calmly.

That same eveni