vain, and
would trouble her no more; but if, on the other hand, she was not
entirely indifferent to him, a line from her would bring him to her side
to plead his cause in person. There was more in the letter, but this was
its main purpose.

And this was the end of if: two loving hearts divided and kept apart by
a damp day and an accidental drop of gum.

No wonder the tears flowed afresh, and "sunny Miss Martyn" belied her
character.

She was still bending over the sheet of paper spread out on her knee
when, with a knock at the door, the servant entered, saying:

"A gentleman to see you, Miss."

Hastily brushing away the traces from her cheeks, Miss Martyn rose, to
see a tall, grey-haired man standing in the doorway, regarding her with
a bright smile on his face.

She did not recognise him; he was a stranger to her, and yet----

The next moment he strode forward with outstretched hand.

"Selina Martyn, don't you know me? And you have altered so little!"

A moment longer she stood in doubt, and then with a little gasp
exclaimed:

[Sidenote: "Edgar!"]

"Edgar! Mr. Freeman--I--I didn't know you. You--you see, it is so long
since--since I had that pleasure."

And while she was speaking she was endeavouring with her foot to draw
out of sight the paper that had fallen from her lap when she had risen.

He noticed her apron, and with an "Excuse me" bent down, and, picking it
up, laid it on the table. As he did so his eyes fell for a moment on the
writing, and he started slightly, but did not refer to it.

"Thank you," she said, and her cheeks had suddenly lost their colour,
and her hand trembled as she indicated an armchair on the other side of
the fireplace, saying, "Won't you sit down?"

He did so, easily and naturally, as though paying an ordinary afternoon
call.

"Selina Martyn, you're looking remarkably well, and nearly as young as
ever," he continued.

She raised her eyes shyly, and smiled as she replied, "Do you really
think so, Mr. Freeman?"

"Call me Edgar, I like it better; and we've known each other long enough
to account for your doing so." He did not give her a chance of
objecting, but continued, "I only landed in England yesterday, and you
are the first person I've called on. I got your address from my cousin,
Mrs. Perry--Maud Elliott that was; she's living in Monte Video, you
know; I saw her for a few hours as I passed through. Really, Selina,
you're looking prettier than ever, I declare!"