ay--I'll try my best with
Noel to-morrow; and do come to me whenever you feel inclined."

She took his hand in hers; afraid that he would sit down again, she yet
could not help a soft glance into his eyes, and a little rush of pitying
warmth in the pressure of her hand.

Pierson smiled; the smile which always made her sorry for him.

"Good-bye, Leila; you're very good and kind to me. Good-bye."

Her bosom swelled with relief and compassion; and--she let him out.

Running upstairs again she thought: 'I've just time. What shall I put
on? Poor Edward, poor Noel! What colour does Jimmy like? Oh! Why didn't
I keep him those ten years ago--what utter waste!' And, feverishly
adorning herself, she came back to the window, and stood there in the
dark to watch, while some jasmine which grew below sent up its scent to
her. 'Would I marry him?' she thought, 'if he asked me? But he won't
ask me--why should he now? Besides, I couldn't bear him to feel I wanted
position or money from him. I only want love--love--love!' The silent
repetition of that word gave her a wonderful sense of solidity and
comfort. So long as she only wanted love, surely he would give it.

A tall figure turned down past the church, coming towards her. It was
he! And suddenly she bethought herself. She went to the little black
piano, sat down, and began to sing the song she had sung to him ten
years ago: "If I could be the falling dew and fall on thee all day!" She
did not even look round when he came in, but continued to croon out the
words, conscious of him just behind her shoulder in the dark. But when
she had finished, she got up and threw her arms round him, strained him
to her, and burst into tears on his shoulder; thinking of Noel and that
dead boy, thinking of the millions of other boys, thinking of her own
happiness, thinking of those ten years wasted, of how short was life,
and love; thinking--hardly knowing what she thought! And Jimmy Fort,
very moved by this emotion which he only half understood, pressed her
tightly in his arms, and kissed her wet cheeks and her neck, pale and
warm in the darkness.

V

1

Noel went on with her work for a month, and then, one morning, fainted
over a pile of dishes. The noise attracted attention, and Mrs. Lynch was
summoned.

The sight of her lying there so deadly white taxed Leila's nerves
severely. But the girl revived quickly, and a cab was sent for. Leila
went with her, and told the driver to stop