hat Lawrence disappeared into
the hall.

The day was beautifully fine as I said before so Lawrence walked further
than he had at first meant to and coming back he met Helen, Gladys and
Mrs. Chizzle the nurse and at Helen's request he got into the carriage
and made one of the party home.

Helen looked quite her old self again. The same bright red colour was on
her cheeks and the old light in her eyes.

"I think the drive has done you good Miss Winston" remarked Lawrence
noting the change in her face.

"Yes, I feel so much better" answered Helen "we drove all round Hyde
Park and the air is really lovely for London."

"It is" replied Lawrence and then turning to the nurse he added "I
should think you are pleased with the progress your patient is making."

"Yes" assented Mrs. Chizzle "I am."

"Do you think Miss Winston, you are well enough to drive to Cannon
Street this afternoon and read Mr. Sheene's "story"? enquired Lawrence.

"Perfectly" replied Helen with a smile.

Lawrence was astounded, "you must be prepared for bad news" he said.

"I am already prepared" said Helen.

"For the very worst?" queried Lawrence.

"For anything" returned Helen

"That's alright then" replied Lawrence.

"Mulberry and I are going to tea with the Vermonts this afternoon, but
we need not start till 4 o'clock" said Gladys.

"It would'nt matter if you were a little late" answered Lawrence.

Just then the victoria stopped and after having helped the ladies to
alight, Lawrence went quickly to the study where as Lord Beaufort had
predicted an envelope lay waiting to be opened addressed to Lawrence in
the dowegor lady Beaufort's hand writing.

Lawrence blushed as he took up the bulky package and retired with it to
the privacy of his own bedroom, where we will leave him to read it in
silence.

A copy of the letter is given below:

Nov. 4th 18--

DEAR MR. LINCARROL

It is with great pleasure that I comply with your
wishes. It is not the first time I have been
appealed to under such circumstances. There is an
art in proposing as well as in every thing. If you
are liable to nervousness, do not propose indoors.
There is a very nice little nook in the back
garden by the crocus bed, where my own romance
took place. It is quite unfrequented from 11 to 1
and from 3 to 6.