is reception of visitors. Hence it was, perhaps, that
visitors did not abound under his roof, despite the richness of the
table and the ordered elegance of every appointment. Women paid calls;
the girls, unlike Leonora, had their intimates, including Harry; but men
seldom came; and it was not often that the principal meals of the day
were shared by an outsider of either sex.

Arthur's presence on a second occasion was therefore the more
stimulating. It affected the whole house, even to the kitchen, which,
indeed, usually vibrates in sympathy with the drawing-room. In Bessie's
vivacious demeanour as she served the high-tea at six o'clock might be
observed the symptoms of the agreeable excitation which all felt. Even
Rose unbent, and Leonora thought how attractive the girl could be when
she chose. But towards the end of the meal, it became evident that Rose
was preoccupied. Leonora, Ethel, and Millicent passed into the
drawing-room. John pulled out his immense cigar-case, and the two men
began to smoke.

'Come along,' said Stanway, speaking thickly with the cigar in his
mouth.

'Papa,' said Rose ominously, just as he was following Twemlow out of the
door. She spoke with quiet, cold distinctness.

'What is it?'

'Did you inquire about that?'

He paused. 'Oh yes, Rose,' he answered rapidly.' I inquired. She seemed
a very clever woman, I must say. But I've been thinking it over, and
I've come to the conclusion that it won't do for you to go. I don't like
the idea of it--you in London for six weeks or more alone. You must do
what you can here. And if you fail this time you must try again.'

'But I can stay in the same lodgings as Sarah Fuge. The house is kept by
her cousin or some relation.'

'And then there's the expense,' he proceeded.

'Father, I told you the other night I didn't want to put you to any
expense. I've got thirty-seven pounds of my own, and I will pay; I
prefer to pay.'

'Oh, no, no!' he exclaimed.

'Well, why can't I go?' she demanded bluntly.

'I'll think it over again--but I don't like it, Rose, I don't like it.'

'But there isn't a day to waste, father!' she complained.

Bessie entered to clear the table.

'Hum! Well! I'll think it over again.' He breathed out smoke, and
departed. Rose set her lips hard. She was seen no more that evening.

In the drawing-room, Stanway found Twemlow and Millicent talking in low
voices on the hearthrug. Ethel lounged on the sofa. Leonora was not
present