have a
friend I should like to talk it over with if you don't mind. If you
will give me just a day or two...."

"Take a week by all means. I am going away myself for a few days, and
I shan't want you till I come back. Write and tell me what you decide
to do. Here is my card...." She took one from a heavy silver case and
laid it on the table. She looked at Esther quizzically, then suddenly
she held out her hand.

"Good-bye, Miss Shepstone. I hope I shall see you again," and the next
moment she had gone.

The stiff and stately owner of the agency was smiling, well pleased.

"You are most fortunate, Miss Shepstone," she said. "You have secured
one of the best posts I have on my books. If you take my advice you
will not hesitate. Make up your mind at once."

Esther did not answer. She took up the card from the table, then she
drew in her breath with a hard sound, for the name printed there was
Mrs. Raymond Ashton.

CHAPTER XI

Esther never knew how she got out into the street. She walked along
like some one in a dream; her cheeks were burning hot.

Mrs. Raymond Ashton! Raymond's mother! The woman of whom he had spoken
so often and so bitterly. The woman who had raised such a fierce
objection to her marriage with Raymond.

There was not much resemblance between mother and son; they were both
handsome, but there was a sort of humour in Mrs. Ashton's face which
Raymond's lacked. Esther tried vainly to find some likeness between
them.

She realised how different this woman was to what she had pictured
her, remembered that spontaneously offered hand. Had Mrs. Ashton known
who she was? Oh, surely not, or she would never have appeared so
anxious to engage her.

How angry Raymond would be. Angry that the woman he loved was to go to
his mother as a paid companion. Esther could not help smiling. For her
own sake she would not mind it. At least she would be with his mother
and in his home; but, of course, the thing was impossible--such a
situation would not be tolerable. She would have to write and refuse.

"Good afternoon!" said a voice, and, turning hurriedly, Esther found
Micky Mellowes beside her.

He looked as if he were not quite sure of his reception; but to-day
Esther had other thoughts to occupy her which were more interesting
than he was--and the smile she gave him was almost friendly.

"Good afternoon! Isn't it cold?"

"Very.... Where are you hurrying off to?"

He tried to speak casually, but