ness; but the name must always be unwelcome to her ears.
Alma would cease to bear that name, and perhaps, in days to come, Mary
Abbott might forget it. He could only hope so, and that the two women
might come together. On Alma's side, surely, no reluctance need be
feared; and Mary, after her ordeal, was giving proof of sense and
character which inspired a large trust. He would write to her in the
most open-hearted way; indeed, no other tone was possible, having
regard to the relations that had grown up between them.

How the aspect of his little world was changing! A year ago, what
things more improbable than that he should win Alma Frothingham for a
wife, and become the cordial friend of Mary Abbott?

When the revelation could be postponed no longer, he made known to Mrs
Handover that he was about to be married. It cost him an extraordinary
effort, for in a double sense he was shamed before the woman. Mrs
Handover, by virtue of her sex, instinctively triumphed over him. He
saw in her foolish eyes the eternal feminine victory; his head was
bowed before her slatternly womanhood. Then again, he shrank from
announcing to the poor creature that she could no longer draw upon him
for her livelihood.

'I'm very sorry, Mr. Rolfe,' she began, in her most despondent voice.
'That is, of course, I'm very glad you're going to be married, and I'm
sure I wish you every happiness--I do indeed. But we are sorry to lose
you--indeed we are.'

Of her sincerity herein there could be no sort of doubt. Harvey
coughed, and looked at the window--which had not been cleaned for some
months.

'May I ask, without rudeness, whether it is the young lady who came----'

'Yes, Mrs. Handover.'

He was uncommonly glad that Alma's name had never been spoken. There,
indeed, would have been matter for gossip.

'A very handsome young lady, Mr. Rolfe, and I'm sure I wish her all
happiness, as well as yourself.' She fidgeted. 'Of course, I don't know
what your plans may be, sir, but--perhaps there's no harm if I mention
it--if ever you should be in need of a housekeeper--you've known me a
long time, sir----'

'Yes--yes--certainly.' Harvey perspired. 'Of course, I should bear you
in mind.'

Thereupon he had to listen whilst Mrs. Handover discoursed at large
upon her dubious prospects. At the close of the Interview, he gave her
a cheque for ten pounds, concealed in an envelope. 'A little
present--of course, I shall be hearing of you--every good wish-