uld speak so lightly.

"Besides," he said, with an inconsequent effort, "as to the queer
things men do, men are natural animals all the world over."

"And you don't suppose we forget it?"

She had a pretty laugh; but what made for laughter in her question?

"Men are men," he stated, rather at a loss, "and women are women."

She laughed more.

"It's been said before" she replied.

Osborn was relieved to find the maid at his elbow with a sweet.

"Alexandra cream, sir?" she was asking confidentially.

"I hope you'll like this, Osborn," said Marie; "I prepared it myself
this morning."

When the maid had gone, he switched off to a less troublous track.

"My socks are all in a shocking condition; I don't know how long it'll
take to mend 'em, dear."

"I'll spend to-morrow looking over your things. I daresay you want
repairs throughout."

"You're a darling. I believe I've wanted you to look after me. But
don't stew in over my mending all day. Run into town and lunch with
me."

"I'll be delighted, Osborn."

"We must have a beano one evening, quite soon. You'd like it?"

"I'd love it."

He smiled affectionately, pressing her hand. It was nice to give a
woman such pleasure.

After dinner they were to make their own coffee in their old way, in
the sitting-room; and after Marie had made it and brought his cup to
him, Osborn leaned back in his corner of the couch to smoke and dream
and talk happily, as a well-fed man does. His gaze, wandering round
the room, found the piano, which he recognised with respect.

"I say, you said the cushions were the only different things. There's
that!" He nodded towards the instrument.

"Yes," she said, her eyes following his, "there's mother's piano. I
must tell you all about her will, Osborn; about everything. She left
all she had to me."

"The furniture and money?"

"Yes. I sold most of the furniture; Mr. Rokeby helped me to arrange it
and saw the dealers for me."

"Good old Desmond! I must thank him for that."

"He's been extremely kind." She looked into the fire.
"_Extremely_," she repeated. "He advised me and told me exactly
what to do."

"Did the furniture make much?" Osborn asked with masculine interest in
things financial.

"A hundred and fifty pounds, odd."

"Good!" he exclaimed.

"I paid off all the rest of our own furniture instalments with it."

"Oh, splendid!" he exclaimed in approval.

"I hoped you'd think so. A hundred cleared it, as you would k