hey turned their steps towards the railway station. "I
shall always remember Birmingham. You like it much better than London,
don't you?"

"I glory in the place!"

Hilliard was tired out. He repented of his proposal to make the journey
to Dudley and back, but his companion did not suspect this.

"I'm sure Eve will come out and have a little walk with us," she said
comfortingly. "And she'll think it so kind of you."

At Dudley station there were crowds of people; Patty asked leave to
hold by her companion's arm as they made their way to the exit. Just
outside Hilliard heard himself hailed in a familiar voice; he turned
and saw Narramore.

"I beg your pardon," said his friend, coming near. "I didn't notice--I
thought you were alone, or, of course I shouldn't have shouted. Shall
you be at home to-morrow afternoon?"

"If it rains."

"It's sure to rain. I shall look in about four."

CHAPTER XXII

With a glance at Miss Ringrose, he raised his hat and passed on.
Hilliard, confused by the rapid rencontre, half annoyed at having been
seen with Patty, and half wishing he had not granted the appointment
for tomorrow, as it might interfere with a visit from the girls, walked
forward in silence.

"So we really sha'n't see you if it's wet tomorrow," said Patty.

"Better not. Eve would be afraid to come, she catches cold so easily."

"It may be fine, like to-day. I do hope----"

She broke off and added:

"Why, isn't that Eve in front?"

Eve it certainly was, walking slowly away from the station, a few yards
in advance of them. They quickened their pace, and Patty caught her
friend by the arm. Eve, startled out of abstraction, stared at her with
eyes of dismay and bloodless cheeks.

"Did I frighten you? Mr. Hilliard has come back with me to ask how you
are. Is your head better?"

"I've just been down to the station--for something to do," said Eve,
her look fixed on Hilliard with what seemed to him a very strange
intensity. "The afternoon was so fine."

"We've had a splendid time," cried Patty. "Mr. Hilliard has shown me
everything."

"I'm so glad. I should only have spoilt it if I had been with you. It's
wretched going about with a headache, and I can't make believe to enjoy
Birmingham."

Eve spoke hurriedly, still regarding Hilliard, who looked upon the
ground.

"Have you been alone all day?" he asked, taking the outer place at her
side, as they walked on.

"Of course--except for the people in th