will remember, and
perhaps your failure to write to me means continued displeasure; in
that case I might be rejected at your door, which I shouldn't like, for
I am troubled with a foolish sense of personal dignity. I have taken a
flat, and mean to stay in London for at least half a year. Please let
me know whether I may see you. Indeed I should like to. Nature meant us
for good friends, but prejudice came between us. Just a line, either of
welcome or "get thee behind me!" In spite of your censures, I always
was, and still am, affectionately yours,

EVERARD BARFOOT.'

Rhoda perused the sheet very attentively.

'An impudent letter,' said Miss Barfoot. 'Just like him.'

'Where does he appear from?'

'Japan, I suppose. "But prejudice came between us." I like that! Moral
conviction is always prejudice in the eyes of these advanced young men.
Of course he must come. I am anxious to see what time has made of him.'

'Was it really moral censure that kept you from writing to him?'
inquired Rhoda, with a smile.

'Decidedly. I didn't approve of him at all, as I have frequently told
you.'

'But I gather that he hasn't changed much.'

'Not in theories,' replied Miss Barfoot. 'That isn't to be expected. He
is far too stubborn. But in mode of life he may possibly be more
tolerable.'

'After two or three years in Japan,' rejoined Rhoda, with a slight
raising of the eyebrows.

'He is about three-and-thirty, and before he left England I think he
showed possibilities of future wisdom. Of course I disapprove of him,
arid, if necessary, shall let him understand that quite as plainly as
before. But there's no harm in seeing if he has learnt to behave
himself.'

Everard Barfoot received an invitation to dine. It was promptly
accepted, and on the evening of the appointment he arrived at half-past
seven. His cousin sat alone in the drawing-room. At his entrance she
regarded him with keen but friendly scrutiny.

He had a tall, muscular frame, and a head of striking outline, with
large nose, full lips, deep-set eyes, and prominent eyebrows. His hair
was the richest tone of chestnut; his moustache and beard--the latter
peaking slightly forward--inclined to redness. Excellent health
manifested itself in the warm purity of his skin, in his cheerful
aspect, and the lightness of his bearing. The lower half of his
forehead was wrinkled, and when he did not fix his look on anything in
particular, his eyelids drooped, giving him for the