lock
at a quarter past eight. The train leaves at nine. We will take your
ticket when you arrive. Please come here at four on Wednesday and I will
introduce you to the _Directeur_.'

Victoria got up and mechanically shook hands. Carrel opened the door for
her and ceremoniously bowed her out. She walked into Soho place as in a
dream, every pulse in her body thrilling with unwonted adventure. She
stared at a dirty window pane and wondered at the brilliance it threw
back from her eyes.

CHAPTER XII

VICTORIA had forgotten her latchkey. Miss Briggs opened the door for
her. Her sallow face brightened up.

'There's a gentleman waiting, mum,' she said, 'and 'ere's a telegram.'
Came jest five minutes after you left. I've put him in the front room
what's empty, mum. Thought you'd rather see him there. Been 'ere 'arf an
'our, mum.'

Victoria did not attempt to disentangle the hours of arrival of the
gentleman and the telegram; she tore open the brown envelope excitedly.
It only heralded the coming of Edward who was doubtless the gentleman.

'Thanks, Miss Briggs,' she said, 'it's my brother.'

'Yes, mum, nice young gentleman. He's all right; been reading the _New
Age_, mum, this 'arf hour, what belongs to the lady on the third.'

Victoria smiled and went into the dining-room, where none dine in
lodging houses save ghosts. Edward was standing near the mantlepiece
immersed in the paper.

'Why, Ted, this is nice of you,' cried Victoria going up to him and
taking his hand.

'I had to come up to town suddenly,' said Edward, 'to get books for the
Head. I'm going back this afternoon but I thought I'd look you up. Did
you get the telegram.'

'Just got it now,' said Victoria, showing it, 'so you might have saved
the sixpence.'

'I'm sorry,' said Edward. 'I didn't know until this morning.'

'It doesn't matter. I'm so glad to see you.'

There was an awkward pause. Edward brushed away the hair from his
forehead. His hands flew back to his watch-chain. Victoria had briefly
written to him to tell him why she left the Holts. Fearful of all that
touches women, he was acutely conscious that he blamed her and yet knew
her to be blameless.

'It's a beautiful day,' he said suddenly.

'Isn't it?' agreed Victoria, looking at him with surprise. There was
another pause.

'What are you doing just now, Vic?' Edward breathed more freely, having
taken the plunge.

'I've just got some work,' said Victoria. 'I begin on Wednesda