-shaven face grew thoughtful, but Sylvia
continued:

"I'm going to Susan's, and I really need a lot of new clothes."

"For a week or two's visit?"

"I may, perhaps, go on somewhere else afterward."

"I wonder whether you thought it necessary to tell Muriel so?"

Sylvia sighed.

"I'm afraid I didn't. I can hardly expect Muriel to quite understand
or sympathize. She has you, and the flowers she's so fond of, and
quiet friends of the kind she likes; while it's so different with me.
Besides, I was never meant for retirement."

"That," laughed Lansing, "is very true."

"Of course," Sylvia went on; "I shall be very quiet, but there are
things one really has to take part in."

"Bridge is expensive unless you're unusually lucky, or an excellent
player," Lansing suggested. "However, it would be more to the purpose
if you mentioned what is the least you could manage with."

Sylvia told him, and he knit his brows.

"Money's tight with me just now," he objected.

"You know it's only on account. George will do ever so much better
next year; and I dare say, if I pressed him, he would send another
remittance."

"His letter indicates that he'd find it difficult."

"George wouldn't mind that. He rather likes doing things that are
hard, and it's comforting to think that self-denial doesn't cost him
much. I'm thankful I have him to look after the farm."

Lansing regarded her with ironical amusement; he knew what her
gratitude was worth.

"Yes," he agreed significantly, "George seldom expects anything for
himself. I'm afraid I'm different in that respect."

Sylvia sat silent for a few moments, because she understood. If
Herbert granted the favor, he would look for something in return,
though she had no idea what this would be. She was conscious of a
certain hesitation, but she did not allow it to influence her.

"I don't doubt it," she rejoined with a smile. "Can't you let me have
a check? That will make you my creditor, but I'm not afraid you'll be
very exacting.

"Well," was the response, "I will see what I can do."

She went out and Lansing filled his pipe with a feeling of
satisfaction. He was not running much risk in parting with the money,
and Sylvia might prove useful by and by.

Sylvia left Brantholme shortly afterward and, somewhat to her
annoyance, found Ethel West a guest at the house she visited. Ethel
had known Dick; she was a friend of George's, and, no doubt, in regular
communication