nd, yesterday at Pompeii. There was a party of four: Mr. and
Mrs. Bradshaw, Cecily, and Mrs. Baske. At Pompeii they were
unexpectedly (so I am told) joined by Mr. Elgar--notwithstanding that
he had taken leave of us on Saturday, with the information that he was
about to return to you at Amalfi, and there devote himself to literary
work of some indefinite kind. Perhaps you have in the meantime heard
from him. This morning Cecily received a letter, in which he made
peremptory request for an inter view; she showed this to me. My duty
was plain. I declared the interview impossible, and Cecily gave way on
condition that I saw Mr. Elgar, told him why she herself did not
appear, and forthwith wrote to you. Our young gentleman was
disconcerted when he found that his visit was to be wasted on my
uninteresting self. I sent him about his business--only that,
unhappily, he has none--bidding him wait till we had heard from you.

"I fancy this will be as disagreeable to you as it is to me. The poor
child is in a sad state, much disposed, I fear, to regard me as her
ruthless enemy, and like to fall ill if she be kept long in idle
suspense. Do you think it worth while to come to Naples? It is very
annoying that your time should be wasted by foolish children. I had
given Cecily credit for more sense. For my own part, I cannot think
with patience of her marrying Mr. Elgar; or rather, I cannot think of
it without dread. We must save her from becoming wise through bitter
sorrow, if it can in any way b" managed. I hope and trust that nothing
may happen to prevent your receiving this letter to-morrow, for I am
very uneasy, and not likely to become less so as time goes on.

"Believe me, dear Mr. Mallard,

"Sincerely yours,

"EDITH LESSINGHAM."

At seven o'clock in the evening, Mallard was in Naples. He did not go
to Casa Rolandi, but took a room in one of the musty hotels which
overlook the port. When he felt sure that Mrs. Gluck's guests must have
dined, he presented himself at the house and sent his name to Mrs.
Lessingham.

She took his hand with warm welcome.

"Thank you for coming so promptly. I have been getting into such a
state of nervousness. Cecily keeps her room, and looks ill; I have
several times been on the point of sending for the doctor, though it
seemed absurd."

Mallard seated himself without invitation; indeed, he had a difficulty
in standing.

"Hasn't she been out to-day?" he asked, in a voice which might hav