Thomas; "I'll go down with you, see
you on board the ship, and introduce you to Captain Merry. I shall be
glad of an opportunity of paying a visit to Liverpool." And so the
question of Tom's departure was settled.

On the Wednesday and Thursday he seemed to take some interest in
his bags and portmanteaus, and began himself to look after those
assuagements of the toils of travel which are generally dear to young
men. He interested himself in a fur coat, in a well-arranged despatch
box, and in a very neat leathern case which was intended to hold two
brandy flasks. He consented to be told of the number of his shirts,
and absolutely expressed an opinion that he should want another pair
of dress-boots. When this occurred every female bosom in the house,
from Lady Tringle's down to the kitchenmaid's, rejoiced at the signs
of recovery which evinced themselves. But neither Lady Tringle nor
the kitchenmaid, nor did any of the intermediate female bosoms, know
how he employed himself when he left the house on that Thursday
afternoon. He walked across the Park, and, calling at Kingsbury
Crescent, left a note addressed to his aunt. It was as follows:--"I
start to-morrow afternoon,--I hardly know whither. It may be for
years or it may be for ever. I should wish to say a word to Ayala
before I go. Will she see me if I come at twelve o'clock exactly
to-morrow morning? I will call for an answer in half-an-hour. T. T.,
junior. Of course I am aware that Ayala is to become the bride of
Colonel Jonathan Stubbs." In half-an-hour he returned, and got his
answer. "Ayala will be glad to have an opportunity of saying good-bye
to you to-morrow morning."

From this it will be seen that Ayala had at that time returned from
Stalham to Kingsbury Crescent. She had come back joyful in heart,
thoroughly triumphant as to her angel, with everything in the world
sweet and happy before her,--desirous if possible to work her fingers
off in mending the family linen, if only she could do something for
somebody in return for all the joy that the world was giving her.
When she was told that Tom wished to see her for the last time,--for
the last time at any rate before her marriage,--she assented at once.
"I think you should see him as he asks it," said her aunt.

"Poor Tom! Of course I will see him." And so the note was written
which Tom received when he called the second time at the door.

At half-past eleven he skulked out of the house in Queen's Gate,
a