s. Rosser, already
an invalid, having been wheeled over in her bath-chair to make
Carrissima's acquaintance; there were henceforth frequent journeyings
on bicycles between the two houses, until the time arrived for the
Favershams' return to London.

One or two letters had been exchanged between Carrissima and Bridget,
who was invited to stay in Grandison Square; but the visit was
prevented by Mrs. Rosser's increasing illness, and so the intercourse
between the two families fell off.

Carrissima had not seen Bridget since their parting at the railway
station five years ago. Ought she to go and see her now? If she
refrained, might not people suspect some hidden motive? Her brother
Lawrence, for instance, who was apt to search for mysterious springs of
action, and who must not on any account be allowed to hit upon the true
one.

No doubt Carrissima was sensitive and self-conscious; moreover, she was
jealous. She was, however, extremely curious also--curious to see for
herself how Bridget had developed--and in the end she made up her mind
to go to Golfney Place. She looked very small and bright when, a few
days later, she set forth, wearing the new set of furs, which were
certainly her most becoming apparel. She had hesitated whether the
March afternoon was really cold enough to justify their use, and before
reaching her destination came to the conclusion that it was not.

But, regarding Bridget as possibly a rival, she wished to make her
bravest show. With her dark, wide-brimmed hat, her remarkably fair
hair, her fresh, clear complexion and her diminutive but piquantly
womanly figure, she assuredly need not fear any ordinary comparison.

Golfney Place is a secluded thoroughfare, containing a few intensely
respectable-looking shops, an estate-agent's office, a church and some
superior lodging-houses. These, like the church, were all painted
white, and, indeed, some of them were at present receiving their fresh
spring coats.

The door of Number 5 was opened by a middle-aged man, Mr. Miller, the
proprietor of the house, and indistinguishable in appearance from an
ordinary butler.

"Miss Rosser?" said Carrissima, and, taking her up-stairs, he stopped
to ask her name on the first landing.

"Miss Faversham," he announced, as she walked into the drawing-room, a
large, lofty room with three windows, rather ornately furnished, and
reminding Carrissima of various scenes on the stage. Before the
fireplace stood a