ours, so I think I will
walk about, please, if you don't mind. I hope you will have good sport
this afternoon, and to-morrow at Benckley. Did Miss Bennett tell you
she had received her invitation for next week? She is quite excited
about it, for so many of Aunt Emma's guests seem to be going on there.
You are one of the number, aren't you?"

"I think not I left it indefinite, and I rather fancy I shall write to
say that I must go home. I thought of leaving The Shanty to-morrow or
Saturday." He was silent for a moment, his eyes on the ground; then he
said suddenly, "You will give me your address? I must have it for my
sister, who will want to write to you about the date of her party."

"Yes, of course. Thank you so much for remembering. I have not a card
in my purse, but our number is ten--Number 10 Whately Mansions."

"And may I--will you allow me to come to see you sometimes? I am often
in town, and it would give me so much pleasure!"

He did not look at her as he spoke, and Hope was thankful that he did
not see her flush of dismay. She had never anticipated such a request,
and was terrified by a suggestion that would make all her good
resolutions of no effect. During every hour of the last three days she
had congratulated herself that her time of probation was short, and that
with her return home would come back peace and contentment. What
prospect of recovery could there be, what chance of work well done, if
the expectation of Ralph's coming was ever before her as the one great
possibility of the day? And what would Truda say? The thought that she
might perhaps be endangering Truda's happiness nerved her to boldness of
speech.

"You are very kind, but we are business women, and our sitting-rooms are
our work-rooms also. I fear we must deny ourselves the pleasure of
visitors yet awhile."

She cost a hurried glance at the clock to see how many of the five
minutes still remained. Only one! The porter was carrying her box to
the farther end of the station, a group of rustics were strolling out of
the ticket-office, and Mr Merrilies was saying quietly:

"Art is long. You find, as do all her disciples, that she demands
undivided allegiance. I shall look forward to hearing the result of
your labours. Here is your train. You would like the small bag in the
carriage, wouldn't you?"

There was a note in his voice which gave Hope actual pain to hear, and
the remembrance of his set white face was no