interference had grown suddenly tired of bands, visitors,
tents, buckets and spades, and had swept them all away with a gesture,
leaving only the stretch of shore; much as it was before Thorhaven
existed, and as it would be when Thorhaven was under the sea like the
other village beyond, which coast erosion had taken.

Perhaps Laura may have found this contrast between permanence and
fleetingness depressing; anyway, her face was sad as she sat quietly
there, looking in front of her. After a while she turned round to look
inland, where the hall and the cafe and the pay-box were all shuttered
and closed--already appearing somehow desolate. Then Mrs. Bradford,
having regained her breath, felt that gratitude made a remark necessary.

"Your loss is my gain, my dear," she said. "If you had not put off
your wedding again, you would not be here to keep me company. When is
it to be now?"

The blood deepened in Laura's face right up to the roots of her hair,
but she smiled and answered easily: "Oh, no exact time has been fixed."

"Ah, well; I daresay you are right. You can't enjoy anything--even
getting married--when you are in bad health. I was told the
postponement might have something to do with Godfrey's financial
difficulties," Mrs. Bradford added, "but I felt sure there was nothing
in that report." Still she glanced curiously at the girl by her side.

"No, it was not that." Laura paused, then went on: "Every business man
who is making his way occasionally takes on more business than he has
capital for. But I am sure he will get through all right. It was only
temporary."

"I'm glad of that, I'm sure," said Mrs. Bradford. Then she lowered her
voice confidentially: "But if I were you, I should see that my own
money was securely tied up. Godfrey may be a Wilson, but he is human.
I know poor Ethel would not have said this to you, because she always
thought so much of the family. I don't blame her--poor Ethel!--but
being married naturally gives one a wider view." And having thus
triumphed over Miss Ethel, even in her grave, Mrs. Bradford relapsed
into silence. Laura seemed equally inclined to sit quiet, so nothing
more was said for a considerable time. At last three girls came
walking briskly along the promenade, stimulating a further effort at
conversation.

"I'm glad Caroline has decided to stay with us until our things are
sold," said Mrs. Bradford.

"Yes. She has been very obliging," said Laura. The