be that of a
well-paid worker in Great Titchfield Street."

"Wish I could find some method," he cried vehemently, "of giving events
a twist. I'd much rather go on in my own profession. I'm making my
way slowly, but I'm making it for myself, and I--I want you for
company." He gave a gesture of appeal. "Can't you see how much it
means?"

"We've got to take matters as they are, and not as we should like them
to be. And it isn't as though I'd only got myself to think about.
There's you. If I didn't care so much for you, it might be different."

"For the moment," protested Henry Douglass, "I find myself wishing,
dear, that you were not quite so sensible. We will talk about this
again, won't we? Let me call at Praed Street."

"Rather you didn't," said Gertie, "if you don't mind, because I shall
never change my decision. And I wish I could explain how sorry I am it
hasn't all come right." She looked up at him with tears in her eyes.
"Give me a kiss before we say good-bye."

"We're to say a lot of other things to each other," he asserted
determinedly, "but we are never to say that! Stay here, until I have
seen these people into the railway omnibus. Please!"

The train came slowly; the engine with the air of one that had, in its
time, hurt itself by violent contact with buffers; a line of porters
edged the platform, ready to seize brass handles of compartments so
soon as the train stopped. Gertie stood behind a trolley, and watched
the crowd of alighting passengers. She caught sight of Lady Douglass
and Miss Loriner: Lady Douglass carrying her small dog, and apparently
more authoritative than ever in manner; her companion nursing a copy of
Clarence's book. Henry and Rutley went to the rear van to see to the
luggage, and presently returned; Rutley talked animatedly, Henry's
features exhibited surprise. The railway omnibus was found; transfer
of luggage began.

"My dearest, dearest!" cried Henry excitedly. "Listen to me; hear the
great news Rutley has brought. My brother arrived home last night.
The good fellow is safe and sound. He came down from here, from
Paddington, and called at Ewelme to get some important papers he
wanted. Heard Lady Douglass's voice--she happened to be annoyed about
something--and left without seeing her. This means--don't you
see?--that I have nothing now to bother about, excepting my work. And
you!"

She had a difficulty in finding words. "Mr. Langham did not meet a
gho