an at short notice. It will not be the kind of dinner I should like to
put before him; but times are changed with us--sadly changed! I hope he
will not miss the plate, Lawrence; and as for wine and dessert----"

"Oh, mother dear," said Lettice, interrupting, "I quite forgot to tell
you about my letter this morning. Look here! It contained a cheque for
ten pounds, for that article of mine in the _Decade_. I mean to go into
Dorminster, and get one or two things we shall be wanting, and I shall
probably drive back in Sydney's cab. So you can leave the wine and
dessert to me. And, mother dear, be sure you put on your silver-grey
poplin, with the Mechlin cap. Nothing suits you half as well!"

Lettice's earnings had sufficed for some years past for her dress and
personal expenses; but latterly she had contrived to have a fair margin
left for such emergencies as that which had now arisen. She was more
than thanked by the gleam of love which lightened the eyes of her
parents as she spoke. Even though Sydney was coming, she thought, that
smile at any rate was all for her.

So she went into the town and made her purchases, and waited at the
station, shivering in the cold March wind, for Sydney's train.

How much should she tell him to begin with? Or should she say nothing
till after dinner? How would he take it? How would it affect him? And
suppose for a moment that he had to choose between getting into
Parliament and rescuing his father from ruin?

Clearly as she saw the worst sides of Sydney's character, yet she loved
him well, and was proud of him. How often she had yearned for tenderness
in the days gone by! What excuses she had framed for him in her own
heart, when he seemed to forget their existence at Angleford for months
together! And now, when she had this terrible news to tell him, was it
not possible that his heart would be softened by the blow, and that good
would come for all of them out of this menaced evil? What a happy place
the old Rectory might be if her father's mind were set at rest again,
and Sydney would come down and stay with them from time to time!

The train was at the platform before Lettice had decided what to do.
Sydney looked rather surprised to see her, but gave her his cheek to
kiss, and hurried her off to the cab stand.

"What brought you here?" he said. "How cold you are! All well at home?"

"Yes, they are well. But, oh, Sydney, they are growing old?"

"Growing old, child? Why, of course