will be at the station to-morrow at a quarter to
eleven.--E. M."

CHAPTER XIV

One travelling bag was all he carried. Some purchases that he had made
in London--especially the great work on French cathedrals--were already
despatched to Birmingham, to lie in the care of Robert Narramore.

He reached Charing Cross half an hour before train-time, and waited at
the entrance. Several cabs that drove up stirred his expectation only
to disappoint him. He was again in an anguish of fear lest Eve should
not come. A cab arrived, with two boxes of modest appearance. He
stepped forward and saw the girls' faces.

Between him and Eve not a word passed. They avoided each other's look.
Patty, excited and confused, shook hands with him.

"Go on to the platform," he said. "I'll see after everything. This is
all the luggage?"

"Yes. One box is mine, and one Eve's. I had to face it out with the
people at home," she added, between laughing and crying. "They think
I'm going to the seaside, to stay with Eve till she gets better. I
never told so many fibs in my life. Uncle stormed at me, but I don't
care."

"All right; go on to the platform."

Eve was already walking in that direction. Undeniably she looked ill;
her step was languid; she did not raise her eyes. Hilliard, when he had
taken tickets and booked the luggage through to Paris, approached his
travelling companions. Seeing him, Eve turned away.

"I shall go in a smoking compartment," he said to Patty. "You had
better take your tickets."

"But when shall we see you again?"

"Oh, at Dover, of course."

"Will it be rough, do you think? I do wish Eve would talk. I can't get
a word out of her. It makes it all so miserable, when we might be
enjoying ourselves."

"Don't trouble: leave her to herself. I'll get you some papers."

On returning from the bookstall, he slipped loose silver into Patty's
hands.

"Use that if you want anything on the journey. And--I haven't forgot my
promise."

"Nonsense!"

"Go and take your places now: there's only ten minutes to wait."

He watched them as they passed the harrier. Neither of the girls was
dressed very suitably for travelling; but Eve's costume resembled that
of a lady, while Patty's might suggest that she was a lady's-maid. As
if to confirm this distinction, Patty had burdened herself with several
small articles, whereas her friend carried only a sunshade. They
disappeared among people upon the platform. In a few minu