worth while. It is so comfortable with Mrs. Conisbee, and
for the short remaining time--Christmas, I should think, would be a
very good time for opening. If it were possible to decide upon dear old
Clevedon, of course we should prefer it; but perhaps Weston will offer
more scope. Alice will weigh all the arguments on the spot. Don't you
envy her, Monica? Think of being _there_ in this summer weather!'
'Why don't you go as well?' Monica asked.
'I? And take lodgings, you mean? We never thought of that. But we still
have to consider expenditure very seriously, you know. If possible, I
must find employment for the rest of the year. Remember how very likely
it is that Miss Nunn will have something to suggest for me. And when I
think it will be of so much practical use for me to see her frequently
for a few weeks. Already I have learnt so much from her and from Miss
Barfoot. Their conversation is so encouraging. I feel that it is a
training of the mind to be in contact with them.'
'Yes, I quite share that view,' said Alice, with tremulous earnestness.
'Virginia can reap much profit from intercourse with them. They have
the new ideas in education, and it would be so good if our school began
with the advantage of quite a modern system.'
Monica became silent. When her sisters had talked in the same strain
for a quarter of an hour, she said absently,--
'I wrote to Miss Barfoot last night, so I suppose I shall be able to
move to those lodgings next Sunday.'
It was eleven o'clock before they parted. Having taken leave of her
sisters near the station, Monica turned to walk quickly home. She had
gone about half the way, when her name was spoken just behind her, in
Widdowson's voice. She stopped, and there stood the man, offering his
hand.
'Why are you here at this time?' she asked in an unsteady voice.
'Not by chance. I had a hope that I might see you.'
He was gloomy, and looked at her searchingly.
'I mustn't wait to talk now, Mr. Widdowson. It's very late.'
'Very late indeed. It surprised me to see you.'
'Surprised you? Why should it?'
'I mean that it seemed so very unlikely--at this hour.'
'Then how could you have hoped to see me?'
Monica walked on, with an air of displeasure, and Widdowson kept beside
her, incessantly eyeing her countenance.
'No, I didn't really think of seeing you, Miss Madden. I wished to be
near the place where you were, that was all.'
'You saw me come out I dare say.'
'
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