had been so beautiful, the
rapidly receding shadow of the man whom she had once made a giant
figure in her life.

"I never want to care for any one again," she said presently in a hard
voice. "You told me once that people were happier if they didn't love,
and I think you were right."

"I was an idiot to ever say such a thing," June cried in a rage. "And
you're a bigger idiot if you pretend to think I was right. There's
nothing better in the whole world than being loved----" Her face
flushed like a rose. "If Micky had cared for me even a quarter as well
as he does for you I would have married him, and that's the truth,"
she declared. "It was only because I knew he hadn't anything except
friendship to offer me that I knew it wasn't fair...." She tried to
cover the seriousness of her words with a laugh. She lit another
cigarette. "And now, having got rid of my heroics, let's talk sense,"
she added more calmly. "But you ought to go to bed. You look worn out.
You'll be a wreck in the morning."

"I don't want to go to bed. I have such a lot to tell you. I shall
have to leave here, of course; I haven't got any money. I must try and
find a post. I thought of asking Eldred's to take me back; there might
be a vacancy now...." But her voice sounded weary and hopeless.

June swooped down on her.

"You poor tired baby, come along to bed and don't worry any more.
You've got me whatever happens, and if the worst comes to the worst
there's always June Mason's wonderful skin food for both of us to live
on."

They went upstairs together.

"There's nothing like sunshine to put you on good terms with
yourself," she said philosophically. "Whenever I'm in the dumps or
feel that I'm looking particularly plain, I put on my best hat and go
out in the sunshine, and I assure you I'm a good-looking woman when I
come home again."

"You're always better than good-looking," Esther told her.

CHAPTER XXXIII

June tucked Esther up in bed and replenished the fire. She turned out
the gas, leaving the room fire-lit.

"June," Esther said timidly. "What did your aunt think? What did she
say--when--when----"

"She said we must go back and finish our visit another time--she took
a great fancy to you."

"You're saying that to please me."

"I'm not! honest Injun!" June heard the tears in Esther's voice; she
bent and kissed her gently.

"Now, not another word! I refuse to answer another question! Pleasant
dreams--or better still, no