t Clara was in some way the cause of Sidney Kirkwood's inability to
go into the country to-day. For a long time the two had been closely
linked in her reflections; Mrs. Peckover and Clem used constantly to
exchange remarks which made this inevitable. But not until now had Jane
really felt the significance of the bond. Of a sudden she had a
throbbing at her heart, and a confusion of mind which would not allow
her to pursue the direct train of thought naturally provoked by the
visit she had just paid. A turbid flood of ideas, of vague surmises, of
apprehensions, of forecasts, swept across her consciousness. The blood
forsook her cheeks. But that the old man began to move away, she could
have remained thus for many minutes, struggling with that new,
half-understood thing which was taking possession of her life.

The disappointment of the day was no longer simple, and such as a child
experiences. Nor ever from this hour onwards would Jane regard things
as she had been wont to do, with the simple feelings of childhood.

Snowdon walked on in silence until the street they had visited was far
behind them. Jane was accustomed to his long fits of musing, but now
she with difficulty refrained from questioning him. He said at length:

'Jane, I'm afraid we shall have to give up our day in the country.'

She assented readily, gladly; all the joy had gone out of the proposed
excursion, and she wished Dow to be by herself in quietness.

'I think I'll let you go home alone,' Snowdon continued. 'I want to see
Mr. Kirkwood, and I dare say I shall find him in, if I walk on at once.'

They went in different directions, and Snowdon made what speed he could
to Tysoe Street. Sidney had already been out, walking restlessly and
aimlessly for two or three hours. The news he now heard was the
half-incredible fulfilment of a dread that had been torturing him
through the night. No calamity is so difficult to realise when it
befalls as one which has haunted us in imagination.

'That means nothing!' he exclaimed, as if resentfully. 'She was
dissatisfied with the lodging, that's all. Perhaps she's already got a
place. I dare say there's a note from her at home this morning.'

'Shall you go and see if there is?' asked Snowdon, allowing, as usual,
a moment's silence to intervene.

Sidney hesitated, avoiding the other's look.

'I shall go to that house first of all, I think. Of course I shall hear
no more than they told Jane; but--'

He took a