ey supposed, and as she descended the stairs she lifted her
eyes and hands in grotesque amazement. While they sipped Sue went
to the window and thoughtfully said, "It is such a beautiful sunset,
Richard."

"They are mostly beautiful from here, owing to the rays crossing the
mist of the vale. But I lose them all, as they don't shine into this
gloomy corner where I lie."

"Wouldn't you like to see this particular one? It is like heaven
opened."

"Ah yes! But I can't."

"I'll help you to."

"No--the bedstead can't be shifted."

"But see how I mean."

She went to where a swing-glass stood, and taking it in her hands
carried it to a spot by the window where it could catch the sunshine,
moving the glass till the beams were reflected into Phillotson's
face.

"There--you can see the great red sun now!" she said. "And I am
sure it will cheer you--I do so hope it will!" She spoke with a
childlike, repentant kindness, as if she could not do too much for
him.

Phillotson smiled sadly. "You are an odd creature!" he murmured as
the sun glowed in his eyes. "The idea of your coming to see me after
what has passed!"

"Don't let us go back upon that!" she said quickly. "I have to catch
the omnibus for the train, as Jude doesn't know I have come; he was
out when I started; so I must return home almost directly. Richard,
I am so very glad you are better. You don't hate me, do you? You
have been such a kind friend to me!"

"I am glad to know you think so," said Phillotson huskily. "No.
I don't hate you!"

It grew dusk quickly in the gloomy room during their intermittent
chat, and when candles were brought and it was time to leave she put
her hand in his or rather allowed it to flit through his; for she was
significantly light in touch. She had nearly closed the door when he
said, "Sue!" He had noticed that, in turning away from him, tears
were on her face and a quiver in her lip.

It was bad policy to recall her--he knew it while he pursued it.
But he could not help it. She came back.

"Sue," he murmured, "do you wish to make it up, and stay? I'll
forgive you and condone everything!"

"Oh you can't, you can't!" she said hastily. "You can't condone it
now!"

"HE is your husband now, in effect, you mean, of course?"

"You may assume it. He is obtaining a divorce from his wife
Arabella."

"His wife! It is altogether news to me that he has a wife."

"It was a bad marriage."

"Like yours."

"L