e
dusk.

"Poor children!" Ida sighed to herself. "If they had but homes to go
to!" And added, in her thought, "We shall see, we shall see!"

Every bit as joyous as the ride out was the return to town. With
foresight, Ida made the two youngest sit on each side of her; soon the
little heads were drooping in her lap, subdued by the very weariness of
bliss. Miss Hurst had offered to accompany Ida, that she might not have
to come back alone, but Ida wanted her friends all to herself, and was
rewarded by the familiarity with which they gossipped to her all the
way.

"Hands up, all those who _haven't_ enjoyed themselves!" she exclaimed,
just as they were entering the noisy streets.

There was a moment's doubt, then a burst of merry laughter.

"Hands up, all those who would like to come again!"

All held up both arms--except the two children who were asleep.

"Well, you've all been good, and I'm very pleased with you, and you
_shall_ come again!"

It was the culmination of the day's delight. For the first time in
their lives the children of Litany Lane and Elm Court had something to
look forward to.

CHAPTER XXXIV

A LATE REVENGE

Ida clung to the possibility of Waymark's paying his usual visit on the
Sunday, but she was disappointed. This absence had no reason beyond
Waymark's choice. It was the last Sunday but one of the month; a week
more, and he must keep his word with Mr. Woodstock. The evil day had
been put off, and to what purpose? There had been some scarcely
confessed hope. Maud's sudden departure from England, and her strange
letter, might perhaps mean a change in her which would bring about his
freedom; he himself might possibly be driven by his wretchedness to the
point of writing to her in a way which would hasten her decision, if
indeed she were doubting.

All was over between Ida and himself, so why undergo the torment of
still seeing her. In sending his note to Mr. Woodstock, he was on the
point of surrendering the week that remained, and begging that Ida
might be told at once, but his hand refused to write the words. Through
the week that ensued he had no moment's rest. At night he went to
places of amusement, to seek distraction; he wished and dreaded the
coming of the Sunday. How would Ida receive the revelation? Should he
write to her and try to make her understand him? Yet in that he could
scarcely succeed, and failure would bring upon him her contempt. The
only safety lay in never