ed her. And I am to hear by the first post in the
morning whether she will go to-morrow or Thursday. She'll arrange
things with you to-night, I should think."
"It didn't look like it. She's shut herself in her room."
"I can understand that. She is ill. That's why I'm getting her away
from London. Wait till we've been in Paris a few weeks, and you'll see
how she changes. At present she is downright ill--ill enough to go to
bed and be nursed, if that would do any good. It's your part to look
after her. I don't want you to be her servant."
"Oh, I don't mind doing anything for her."
"No, because you are a very good sort of girl. You 'Ii live at a hotel,
and what you have to do is to make her enjoy herself. I shouldn't
wonder if you find it difficult at first, but we shall get her round
before long."
"I never thought there was anything the' matter with her."
"Perhaps not, but I understand her better. Of course you won't say a
word of this to her. You take it as a holiday--as good fun. No doubt I
shall be able to have a few words in private with you now and then. But
at other times we must talk as if nothing special had passed between
us."
Patty mused. The lightness of her step told in what a spirit of gaiety
she looked forward to the expedition.
"Do you think," she asked presently, "that it'll all come to an
end--what I told you of?"
"Yes, I think so."
"You didn't let her know that I'd been talking----"
"Of course not. And, as I don't want her to know that you've seen me
to-night, you had better stay no longer. She's sure to have something
to tell you to-night or to-morrow morning. Get your packing done, and
be ready at any moment. When I hear from Eve in the morning, I shall
send her a telegram. Most likely we sha'n't see each other again until
we meet at Charing Cross. I hope it may be tomorrow; but Thursday is
the latest."
So Patty took her departure, tripping briskly homeward. As for
Hilliard, he returned to his sitting-room, and was busy for some time
with the pencilling of computations in English and French money.
Towards midnight, he walked as far as High Street, and looked at the
windows above the music-shop. All was dark.
He rose very early next morning, and as post-time drew near he walked
about the street in agonies of suspense. He watched the letter-carrier
from house to house, followed him up, and saw him pass the number at
which he felt assured that he would deliver a letter. In fr
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