ith in him nor liking for him.

'Mr. Bullivant, I think you ought to wait until you really have
prospects. If you were encouraged by some person, it would be a
different thing. And indeed you haven't to look far. But where there
has never been the slightest encouragement, you are really wrong to act
in this way. A long engagement, where everything remains doubtful for
years, is so wretched that--oh, if I were a man, I would _never_ try to
persuade a girl into that! I think it wrong and cruel.'

The stroke was effectual. Bullivant averted his face, naturally
woebegone, and sat for some minutes without speaking. The bus again
drew up; four or five people were about to ascend.

'I will say good-morning, Miss Madden,' he whispered hurriedly.

She gave her hand, glanced at him with embarrassment, and so let him
depart.

Ten minutes restored the mood in which she had set out. Once more she
smiled to herself. Indeed, her head was better for the fresh air and
the movement. If only the sisters would allow her to get away soon
after dinner!

It was Virginia who opened the door to her, and embraced and kissed her
with wonted fondness.

'You are nice and early! Poor Alice has been in bed since the day
before yesterday; a dreadful cold and one of her very worst headaches.
But I think she is a little better this morning.'

Alice--a sad spectacle--was propped up on pillows.

'Don't kiss me, darling,' she said, in a voice barely audible. 'You
mustn't risk getting a sore throat. How well you look!'

'I'm afraid she doesn't look _well_,' corrected Virginia; 'but perhaps
she has a little more colour than of late. Monica, dear, as Alice can
hardly' use her voice, I will speak for both of us, and wish you many,
many happy returns of the day. And we ask you to accept this little
book from us. It may be a comfort to you from time to time.'

'You are good, kind dears!' replied Monica, kissing the one on the lips
and the other on her thinly-tressed head. 'It's no use saying you
oughtn't to have spent money on me; you _will_ always do it. What a
nice "Christian Year"! I'll do my best to read some of it now and then.'

With a half-guilty air, Virginia then brought from some corner of the
room a very small but delicate currant cake. Monica must eat a mouthful
of this; she always had such a wretched breakfast, and the journey from
Walworth Road was enough to give an appetite.

'But you are ruining yourselves, foolish people!'

The