ontinued: "There is one thing I want to
explain at the beginning. This winter's experience has made a
different person of me. I can never go back to the old life of a
society woman, with perhaps a little charitable work thrown in. I want
to come in touch with people--all sorts of people. I want to try
experiments. I think I must have inherited some of my grandfather's
business instincts. I haven't made any very definite plans, but I
should like to start other shops such as this, where women who have
some ability and the gift for making useful and beautiful things can
find their opportunity. I shall make mistakes, and lose money perhaps,
but I want to experiment. I want you to understand how I feel,
before--before--" Marion's eyes shone, a lovely flush was on her face
as she hesitated.

Francis Landor took sudden possession of the yellow flowers, tossing
them with scant courtesy on the table, and leaning forward he grasped
her hands. "May, what has this to do with it? Does it crowd me out of
your life? Since you were a little girl, since the days when we played
together, you have been my help and inspiration. Do you mean this has
come between us, or do you still care?"

Tears shone in Marion's eyes; she bent her head till it touched his
shoulder. "Francis, I do care--I have always cared; I told Charlotte
to tell you."

"You will forgive me if I am only half glad to see you, Mr. Landor,"
was Norah's greeting a little later. "Susanna, now, is wholly
delighted. She sees the end of what has been to her a long exile, but
I must needs go in search of another partner."

"Why not take me in as a third, Miss Norah? I believe I should like
it."

"I shouldn't," she replied, laughing. "It would end in my playing
third fiddle, and you must know this place is _Norah's_ Ark; I am
chief manager." She went off gayly, pausing at the door to ask, "You
do not mind my speaking to Alex to-night, Marion?"

What happened in the course of her search for Alex, we have already
seen.

The two in the shop were left undisturbed. It must have been nearly
ten o'clock, which was considered late in the Terrace, when a voice
was heard insisting, "I must see Miss Marion, Susanna, just for a
minute. Is she here?" and Charlotte burst into the room.

"Oh, Miss Marion, I had half guessed,--I was not quite sure. Oh, I am
so glad!" Oblivious to the presence of any one else she threw her arms
about Miss Carpenter, who had risen hastily as she entered.