e
in the half-light making her little supplication to Torpenhow. She was
kneeling by his side, and her hands were clasped across his knee.

'I know,--I know,' she said thickly. ''Tisn't right o' me to do this,
but I can't help it; and you were so kind,--so kind; and you never took
any notice o' me. And I've mended all your things so carefully,--I did.
Oh, please, 'tisn't as if I was asking you to marry me. I wouldn't think
of it.

But you--couldn't you take and live with me till Miss Right comes along?
I'm only Miss Wrong, I know, but I'd work my hands to the bare bone for
you. And I'm not ugly to look at. Say you will!'

Dick hardly recognised Torpenhow's voice in reply--'But look here. It's
no use. I'm liable to be ordered off anywhere at a minute's notice if a
war breaks out. At a minute's notice--dear.'

'What does that matter? Until you go, then. Until you go. 'Tisn't much
I'm asking, and--you don't know how good I can cook.' She had put an arm
round his neck and was drawing his head down.

'Until--I--go, then.'

'Torp,' said Dick, across the landing. He could hardly steady his voice.

'Come here a minute, old man. I'm in trouble'--'Heaven send he'll listen
to me!' There was something very like an oath from Bessie's lips. She
was afraid of Dick, and disappeared down the staircase in panic, but
it seemed an age before Torpenhow entered the studio. He went to the
mantelpiece, buried his head on his arms, and groaned like a wounded
bull.

'What the devil right have you to interfere?' he said, at last.

'Who's interfering with which? Your own sense told you long ago you
couldn't be such a fool. It was a tough rack, St. Anthony, but you're
all right now.'

'I oughtn't to have seen her moving about these rooms as if they
belonged to her. That's what upset me. It gives a lonely man a sort of
hankering, doesn't it?' said Torpenhow, piteously.

'Now you talk sense. It does. But, since you aren't in a condition
to discuss the disadvantages of double housekeeping, do you know what
you're going to do?'

'I don't. I wish I did.'

'You're going away for a season on a brilliant tour to regain tone.
You're going to Brighton, or Scarborough, or Prawle Point, to see the
ships go by. And you're going at once. Isn't it odd? I'll take care of
Binkie, but out you go immediately. Never resist the devil. He holds the
bank. Fly from him. Pack your things and go.'

'I believe you're right. Where shall I go?'

'And you ca