the bell for Mrs. Bonner.

"Mrs. Bonner, I find I am obliged to go away for a time."

"You mean--"

"No," he said, "I don't. I mean that my absence will be temporary. I
can't say exactly how long I shall be away, but in the meantime I would
like to keep my rooms here."

Mrs. Bonner's face cleared. "Oh yes," she said, "ezackly, I see!"

"I shall run up to Town to-night, and I will write you or wire you when
you may expect me back. It may be a week, it may be less; anyhow, I
shall come back."

"I am very glad to hear that, Mr. Alston," said Mrs. Bonner heartily.

"I shan't take many things with me, just enough for the night. I'll go
and pack my bag, and clear off to catch the six o'clock up train."

Why not go down to Hurst Dormer to-night, and send off this letter to
Marjorie from Town instead of posting it here? He could see to a few
things in Hurst Dormer on the morrow, see Marjorie, arrange her little
troubles and then be back here by Saturday; but as he was not sure of
his movements he left it that he would wire Mrs. Bonner his probable
time of returning.

"One thing, I'll be able to have a good clear-up when he's gone," Mrs.
Bonner thought. Forever her thoughts turned in the direction of soap and
water. The temporary absence of anyone meant to Mrs. Bonner an
opportunity for a good clean, and she had already started one that very
evening when there came a tapping on her door.

"Now, whoever is that worriting this time of the night?" With sleeves
rolled up over bare and plump arms she went to the door.

"Oh, good evening, Mrs. Bonner. I 'eard about you losing your lodger."

Mrs. Bonner stared into the darkness.

"Oh, it's you!" Judging by the expression of her voice, the visitor was
not a favoured one.

"Yes, it's me!"

"Well, what do you want, Alice Betts?"

"Oh, nothing. I thought I'd just call in friendly-like."

"Very good of you, only I'm busy cleaning up."

"Men do make a mess, don't they? Fancy 'is going off like that. I wonder
if the letter had anything to do with it?"

"Letter?"

"Yes, the one Miss Joan give our Bob to bring 'im this afternoon."

"Ha!" said Mrs. Bonner. "I shouldn't be surprised."

"Nor should I. I wonder what he is to her, don't you?"

"No, I don't. I ain't bothered my head thinking. It ain't none of my
business, Alice Betts."

Alice Betts giggled.

"Well, any'ow he's gone," she said, and Mrs. Bonner did not contradict
her. "And gone sudden."

"Very!"

"D