hilst she was
still at the mercy of her confused thoughts, the servant came and asked
if she would pay the cabman.

Then she ascended to the drawing-room and sat down. Had her letter gone
astray? But if he had not been home for three days, and, as appeared,
his letters were not forwarded to him, did not this prove (supposing a
miscarriage of what she had written) that he was not troubling himself
about news from her? If he had received her letter--and it ought to
have arrived at least four days ago--what was the meaning of his
absence?

She shrank from questioning the servants further. Presently, without
having changed her dress, she went down again to the library, and
re-examined the letters waiting to be read; and the handwriting was in
each case unknown to her. Then she took up the letters that were open.
One was an invitation to dine, one the appeal of some charitable
institution; last, a few lines from Mallard. He wrote asking Elgar to
come and see him--seemingly with no purpose beyond a wish to
re-establish friendly relations. Cecily read the note again and again,
wondering whether it had led to a meeting.

Why had not the housekeeper made her appearance? She rang the bell, and
the woman came. With as much composure as she could command, Cecily
inquired whether Mr. Elgar had spoken of her expected arrival. Yes, he
had done so; everything had been made ready. And had he left word when
he himself should be back? No; he had said nothing.

Naturally, she thought of going to the Spences'; but her dignity
resisted. How could she seek information about her husband from
friends? It was difficult to believe that he kept away voluntarily.
Would he not in any case have sent word, even though the excuse were
untruthful? What motive could he have for treating her thus? His last
letter was longer and kinder than usual.

She was troubling herself needlessly. The simple explanation was of
course the true one. He had been away in the country, and had arranged
to be back in time to meet her at the station; then some chance had
intervened. Doubtless he would very soon present himself. Her
impatience and anxiety would never occur to him; what difference could
a few hours make? They were not on such lover-like terms nowadays.

Compelling herself to rest in this view, she made a change of clothing,
and again summoned the housekeeper, this time for discussion of
domestic details. Cecily had no feminine delight in such matters for