Walter quickly.

'It was no mistake, because she looked into our carriage, and I saw her
quite plainly. Besides, do you think that any one who has seen Liz once
would ever forget her face? I have never seen one like it.'

'I don't know anything about it, and I care less,' Walter said with
unpromising hardness.

Gladys did not know that the simple announcement she had brought to him
in all faith, believing even that he might be in a sense relieved and
glad to hear it, tortured him to the very soul. He felt so bitter
against Gladys at the moment that he could have ordered her away. Her
dainty presence, her air of ladyhood, her beautiful ways, almost
maddened him; but Gladys was quite unconscious of it.

'Have you not been at your father's house lately, then?' she asked. 'Of
course she must be there. How glad they will be to have her safely at
home again! Do you think she would be glad to see me if I went to-day?'

'No, she wouldn't, even if she were there, which I know is not the case.
I was there myself yesterday, and they had never heard anything about
her. I wish to heaven you would leave us alone, and let us sink into the
mire we are made for! We don't want such fine ladies as you coming
patronising us, and trying to make pious examples of us. We are quite
happy--oh, quite happy--as we are.'

He spoke with an awful bitterness, with a passion which made him
terrible to look upon, but Gladys only shrank a little, only a little,
under this angry torrent. Her vision was clearer than a year ago. She
read the old friend now with unerring skill, and looked at him steadily
with gentle, sorrowful eyes.

'You are very angry, Walter, and you think it is with me, but I know
better, and you cannot prevent me trying to find out what has become of
poor Lizzie. I loved her, and love has certain rights, even you will
admit that.'

Her gentle words relieved the tension of his passion, and he became
calmer in a moment.

'If it is true that she is in Glasgow, it is easy knowing what has
become of her,' he said, with an ironical smile. 'Take my advice, and
let her alone. She never was company for you, anyhow, and now less than
ever. Let her alone.'

'Oh, I can't do that, Walter. You have no idea how much I have thought
about her. It has often kept me from sleeping, I assure you. I have so
many blessings, I wish to share them. To make others happy is all the
use money is for.'

Walter was secretly touched, secretly yearning o