hed now and then in recalling some phrase or
other that Bevis had used to him.

Subsequently, Monica had several long conversations with the old lady.
Impelled to gossipy frankness about all her affairs, Mrs. Bevis allowed
it to be understood that the chief reason for two of the girls always
being with their brother was the possibility thus afforded of their
'meeting people'--that is to say, of their having a chance of marriage.
Mrs. Cosgrove and one or two other ladies did them social service.

'They never _will_ marry!' said Monica to her husband, rather
thoughtfully than with commiseration.

'Why not? They are nice enough girls.'

'Yes, but they have no money; and'--she smiled--'people see that they
want to find husbands.'

'I don't see that the first matters; and the second is only natural.'

Monica attempted no rejoinder, but said presently--

'Now they are just the kind of women who ought to find something to do.'

'Something to do? Why, they attend to their mother and their brother.
What could be more proper?'

'Very proper, perhaps. But they are miserable, and always will be.'

'Then they have no _right_ to be miserable. They are doing their duty,
and that ought to keep them cheerful.'

Monica could have said many things, but she overcame the desire, and
laughed the subject aside.

CHAPTER XVII

THE TRIUMPH

Nor till mid-winter did Barfoot again see his friends the
Micklethwaites. By invitation he went to South Tottenham on New Year's
Eve, and dined with them at seven o'clock. He was the first guest that
had entered the house since their marriage.

From the very doorstep Everard became conscious of a domestic
atmosphere that told soothingly upon his nerves. The little servant who
opened to him exhibited a gentle, noiseless demeanour which was no
doubt the result of careful discipline. Micklethwaite himself, who at
once came out into the passage, gave proof of a like influence; his
hearty greeting was spoken in soft tones; a placid happiness beamed
from his face. In the sitting-room (Micklethwaite's study, used for
reception because the other had to serve as dining-room) tempered
lamplight and the glow of a hospitable fire showed the hostess and her
blind sister standing in expectation; to Everard's eyes both of them
looked far better in health than a few months ago. Mrs. Micklethwaite
was no longer so distressingly old; an expression that resembled
girlish pleasure lit up her countenan