he contents of Hamlyn's Purlieu were sent to Christy's, Mrs.
Crowley, recently widowed and without a home, had bought one or two
pictures and some old chairs. She had brought these down to Court Leys,
and was much tormented at the thought of causing Lucy a new grief.

'Perhaps she didn't recognise them,' said Dick.

'Don't be so idiotic. Of course she recognised them. I saw her eyes fall
on the Reynolds the very moment she came into the room.'

'I'm sure she would rather you had them than any stranger.'

'She's said nothing about them. You know, I'm very fond of her, and I
admire her extremely, but she would be easier to get on with if she were
less reserved. I never shall get into this English way of bottling up my
feelings and sitting on them.'

'It sounds a less comfortable way of reposing oneself than sitting in an
armchair.'

'I would offer to give Lucy back all the things I bought, only I'm sure
she'd snub me.'

'She doesn't mean to be unkind, but she's had a very hard life, and it's
had its effect on her character. I don't think anyone knows what she's
gone through during these ten years. She's borne the responsibilities of
her whole family since she was fifteen, and if the crash didn't come
sooner, it was owing to her. She's never been a girl, poor thing; she
was a child, and then suddenly she was a woman.'

'But has she never had any lovers?'

'I fancy that she's rather a difficult person to make love to. It would
be a bold young man who whispered sweet nothings into her ear; they'd
sound so very foolish.'

'At all events there's Bobbie Boulger. I'm sure he's asked her to marry
him scores of times.'

Sir Robert Boulger had succeeded his father, the manufacturer, as second
baronet; and had promptly placed his wealth and his personal advantages
at Lucy's feet. His devotion to her was well known to his friends. They
had all listened to the protestations of undying passion, which Lucy,
with gentle humour, put smilingly aside. Lady Kelsey, his aunt and
Lucy's, had done all she could to bring the pair together; and it was
evident that from every point of view a marriage between them was
desirable. He was not unattractive in appearance, his fortune was
considerable, and his manners were good. He was a good-natured, pleasant
fellow, with no great strength of character perhaps, but Lucy had enough
of that for two; and with her to steady him, he had enough brains to
make some figure in the world.

'I've ne