ed
and dreaded, was over.

"But how could you come so soon?" Mrs. Costello asked. "We did not
expect you till to-morrow."

"By the greatest chance. I had been in town for two days. Our station
and post-office are at the same place. When they met me at the station,
they brought me letters which had just arrived, and yours was among
them. So I was able to catch the next train back to London, instead of
going home."

"And which way did you come? The boat is not in yet?"

"By Calais. It was quicker. Now tell me what has happened."

Mrs. Costello looked carefully to see that the door was shut. Then she
told Maurice who and what she feared, and how she could not even leave
Bourg-Cailloux without help.

"Yet, I think I ought to leave," she said.

"Of course you ought," Maurice answered. "You must go to England."

CHAPTER XXIII.

"You must go to England," Maurice said decidedly. "It is an easy
journey, and you would be quite safe there."

"But I ought not to go to England," Mrs. Costello answered rather
uncertainly. "And Bailey might follow us there."

"I doubt that. By what you say, too, if he were in England, we might
perhaps set the police to watch him, which would prevent his annoying
you. However, the thing to do is to carry you off before he has any idea
you are in Europe at all."

Lucia stayed long enough to see that the mere presence of Maurice
inspired her mother with fresh courage; then she went back to her
packing, leaving the door ajar that she might hear their voices. She
went on with her work in a strange tumult and confusion. Not a word
beyond the first greetings had passed between Maurice and herself, but
she could not help feeling as if their positions were somehow
changed--and not for the worse.

There had been no words; but just for one second Maurice had held her
hand and looked at her very earnestly; whereupon she had felt her cheeks
grow very hot, and her eyes go down to the ground as if she were making
some confession.

After that he released her, and she went about her occupations. She
began to wonder now whether she would have to tell him how sorry she
was, or whether enough had been said; and to incline to the last
opinion.

Meanwhile she went on busily. In about half an hour she heard Maurice go
out, and then Mrs. Costello came to her.

"He is gone to make inquiries," she said; "you know there is a boat
to-night, but then we may not be able to get berths."

"To-night, m