the front room where stood
lamp, kettle and other preparations for a light meal.

Caroline breathed hard as she reached the middle of the room,
experiencing the odd sense of having been followed by unknown dangers
which children know when they run down a long stairway in the dark.
But here she was safe. The lamp--the chair--newspaper--the little meal
set ready--all reassured her. Yet she was still standing, peering
bright-eyed here and there, when a quick step sounded outside, and the
next minute Godfrey hurried into the room. "You, here!" he said,
staring at her, greatly startled. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing." She moved back towards the fireplace. . . . He had not
kissed her; he had not even held out his hand. "I aren't going to
stop," she said in a low tone. "I only wanted to know if--if your
wedding was really broken off for the reason they said. I felt as if I
must know. I--I thought perhaps she'd heard something about you and
me."

"How should she hear anything?" he said. "The poor girl is ill enough,
as anybody can see. But she would come to this rotten concert to-night
in spite of all Miss Panton and I could say. She seems unable to keep
quiet." He paused and added jerkily: "I suppose you know we were to
have been married to-day?"

"Yes." Caroline felt the room swim round her, but she clutched the
mantelpiece and kept quiet.

"I came for a couple of umbrellas. She and Miss Panton are waiting
under shelter in the hall. I can't stay." He spoke abruptly, uneasily.

"Oh, I won't keep you." She moved a step or two forward and swayed a
little, so that he was obliged to catch hold of her by the arm. The
next second he was clasping her close while they looked into each
other's eyes with a burning curiosity that must at all costs be
satisfied. "Do you love me still? Do you love me still?" And yet
there was absolute silence in the room while the question was asked and
answered.

"Oh, I don't mind now," sobbed Caroline. "I don't mind now. It was
only when I thought----"

"Hush!" said Godfrey, moving away. "What's that?"

"It sounds like Miss Armitage coming down," said Caroline, hurrying
towards the door. "I'll slip out as quickly as I----" She drew back.
"Oh!" Then pulled herself together as the landlady in curled fringe
and long grey ulster entered the room, primming long, thin lips.

"Oh! Good evening, Miss Raby," said the woman. "I'm sorry if I
intrude. I heard voices dow