ome and see father? He does not come down yet, and mother
has her lunch with him; she can't bear to leave him,' said Sarah.

Horatia accordingly went off with Sarah, and found the mill-owner looking
very different; but it was Mrs Clay who seemed the most changed. She
looked years younger, and so quietly happy. Horatia could not understand
it at all, not being given to troubling her head about people's
characters.

After lunch--which, after all, was a very good one, and served in Sykes's
best style, to do honour to the guests--the party drove down to the
mills.

Sarah could not help thinking what a good thing it would be if Lady Grace
Cunningham should take a fancy to this new cloth, she was such a
striking-looking woman, and a well-known figure in society; but the girl
determined not to suggest it, though her heart beat a little quicker when
they were coming to the dyeing-rooms.

Before this they passed the warehouses, and George good-naturedly opened
the doors to let Horatia see more blankets than she would ever see again
in her life.

'How full it is! This place was quite empty when I last came,' she cried
innocently.

George blushed like a girl. 'It's a slack time with us,' he said, and
hastily shut the door.

But Mr Cunningham stopped a moment. 'They are not sold, then?' he
inquired.

'No,' said George; 'but let me show you something more interesting.'

'Then it's rather fortunate I called, for I fancy I know a buyer. It's a
large line of steamers I have a share in that are starting, and want a
big consignment of blankets to be numbered and delivered by a near date,'
said Mr Cunningham; and he began to go into figures with George.

The two went off with the manager to do some telephoning, and Lady Grace
Cunningham walked on with the two girls to the dyeing-rooms. Sarah felt
more than ever that she could not say anything, though she showed the new
shade and the cloth.

'Oh mother, do have a coat and skirt of it!' cried Horatia. 'It does suit
you so well! Just see!'

'But I don't suppose I am allowed to buy it wholesale like this?' Lady
Grace protested.

'I believe one firm in London has stocked some. George will know the
name,' said Sarah; but her eyes were shining with such pleasure that Lady
Grace saw that the suggestion had given great pleasure.

'If you will let me have the name I will certainly order a costume. I
have never seen the shade, and I think it ought to become very popular;
it is suc