dys quite coldly, though a slight tremor shook her. 'Well, I
must go and change my gown. Bourhill is looking lovely to-day, I think.
I have seen many beautiful places since I went away, but none so
satisfying as this; you will be glad to hear I still think Bourhill the
sweetest spot on earth.'

And, with a smile and a nod, she left the little seamstress to her work;
but it lay unheeded on her lap, and her eyes were heavy with a grey mist
which came up from her heart's bitterness. Yes, life did indeed appear
sad and hard to Teen, and all things moving in an entirely contrary
way.

Miss Peck came bustling into her darling's dressing-room very shortly,
and began to fuss about her in her tender, nervous fashion, as if it
were not possible for her to show her gladness at having her back.
Gladys did not say very much for a little; but at last, when she was
brushing at her soft shining hair, she turned round suddenly, and looked
into the old lady's face with rather an odd look on her own.

'Now, sit down, Miss Peck, and tell me every single, solitary thing
about Walter.'

The little lady gave a nervous start. She had just been wondering how to
introduce this subject.

'Christina has told you that he has been here. My dear, I was very sorry
for him. He is a splendid young fellow, and I wish'--

She paused there, nor did Gladys ask her to finish her sentence.

'Teen tells me he is giving up his business. Do you think that is a wise
step, Miss Peck?' Gladys asked, with a fine indifference which rather
surprised the old lady.

'It may be wise for him, my dear. He seems to feel he cannot remain any
longer in this country.'

'Did he ask any questions about me?'

'Yes, Gladys, a few.'

'Well, I hope you did not give him any unnecessary information?' said
Gladys rather sharply.

'My dear, I told him everything I could think of. I did not think you
would wish anything kept back from your old friend. His interest is very
genuine.'

'I suppose so,' said Gladys coolly, as she began to coil her long
tresses round her shapely head; 'we must take it for granted, anyhow.
And what did he give you in exchange for all your interesting
information? Did he condescend to tell you anything about himself?'

Miss Peck was wounded by the tone; such bitter and sarcastic words she
had never heard fall from those gentle lips before.

'We had a long talk, Gladys, and I imagined--perhaps it was only
imagination--that it relieved and made