the cab stopped, and
Peter helped her out, paid the fare and, taking her arm, led her up a
long flight of stairs--stairs that seemed to wind up and up till she
felt dizzy, before he came to a halt at one of the many doors opening on
the landing, entering which she found herself in a neat little room and
kitchen, simply furnished, but clean and tidy.

"This is Mrs. Ramsay, my landlady," he said as they entered, leading
Mysie forward to where a middle-aged woman of kindly demeanor stood with
a smile of welcome for them. Mrs. Ramsay stepped forward and began to
help Mysie to take off her hat. With a few words she soon made the girl
feel more at ease, and then left them to get tea ready.

"Is that the woman you stay wi'?" asked Mysie, as Mrs. Ramsay went to
the other room.

"Yes, she's my landlady," he replied.

"An' does she bide here too?"

"Well, she'll stay just as long as you think necessary. Whenever you
think you can get on without her, let me know. Her daughter is looking
after her own house till she returns. She's a good, kindly soul, and
will do anything to help you."

"Are you gaun to stay here now, too?"

"Well, that is for you to say, Mysie," he said seriously. "Certainly I
should like to stay with my wife, for we'll be married to-morrow. But if
you would rather stay alone, I can easily remain in my digs, and just
attend to your lessons In the evening."

"If you stay here, will she need to stay too?"

"Of course that will all lie with you, Mysie," he replied. "Perhaps it
might be better for her to stay and help you for a few weeks, and by
that time your cold may be better. But you can think it over to-night
and tell me your decision in the morning."

Mrs. Ramsay's return cut short any further conversation, and they all
sat down to tea, a strange little party. Mysie did not eat much. She was
too tired, and felt that she would rather go to bed. She looked ill and
very wretched, and at last Peter went out, leaving the women together.

"I'll be round for you by half-past ten in the morning, Mysie," he
said, as he was going. "So you must be up, and be as bright as you can.
So take a good long sleep, and you'll feel ever so much better in the
morning. Mrs. Ramsay will see you all right," and he was off before
Mysie realized he was going.

It was all so strange for Mysie. She was lost in wonder at it all, as
she sat quietly pondering the matter while Mrs. Ramsay washed the dishes
and cleared the table.