n the possibility,
then banished it with a loyal "She doesn't need me, and Cecil does.
She's fond of me in her funny way. She must be, for she has confided in
me already, more than in any of the others whom she's known for years,
and perhaps I may be able to help..."

The Major passed his cup for a second supply; a waitress brought a plate
of hot cakes; the occupants of the corner table stood up, fastening furs
and coats, and passed out of the door. With their going Major Carew
regained his vivacity, chaffed the girls on their silence, recounted the
latest funny stories, and to Claire's relief addressed himself primarily
to his _fiancee_, thus putting her in the place of honour.

Nevertheless Claire was conscious that from time to time keen glances
were cast in her own direction. She had a feeling that no detail of her
attire escaped scrutiny, that the black eyes noted one and all,
wondered, and speculated, and appraised. She saw them dwell on the
handsome fur stole and muff which Mrs Judge bequeathed to her daughter
on sailing for India, on the old diamond ring and brooch which had been
handed over to her on her twenty-first birthday; she had an instinctive
feeling that she rose in the man's estimation because of her air of
prosperity. He made tentative efforts to arrange a further meeting.
"Where do _you_ go on Sundays, Miss Gifford? I say, we must arrange
another tea like this. Lots of good tea places in town. We must sample
them together. What do you say, Miss Gifford?"

Claire's answers were politely evasive, and presently he began to grow
restless, and finally pulled out his watch, and jumped to his feet.

"How time flies! I had no idea it was so late. I must run. So sorry
to leave you like this."

Mary Rhodes stared in surprise.

"Leave! Frank! But you said--I thought we were going--"

"Yes, I know, I know. I'm sorry, I thought I was free--but--a
regimental engagement! Can't get out of it. I'll fix up another night.
I'll write."

There was no doubt that he was genuinely disconcerted at the lateness of
the hour, and his leave-taking was of the most hasty description, though
he found time to give a lingering pressure to Claire's hand; then he was
gone, and the waitress came across the room and presented the bill.

Cecil flushed uncomfortably.

"I must pay this. Frank has forgotten. He rushed off in such a hurry."

She pulled out her shabby purse, and Claire made no protest. In a
sim