,' she said, with an answering smile, 'only it is
impossible these two in so short a time can be seriously involved. I'll
find out this very day.'

'You are not in favour of it, Isabel, and a wilful woman must have her
way.'

'It's not altogether fear of the world's opinion, Tom; there's something
about George I don't--nay, can't like. He is very handsome, and can be
very agreeable, but I never feel that he is sincere, and he is
profoundly selfish. Even his mother says that.'

'Ay, well, she would need kind dealing, Isabel; she is a highly-strung
creature,' said the lawyer thoughtfully, and the subject dropped.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XX.

PLANS.

While these golden days were speeding by the sea, Bourhill was being put
in order for its young mistress. Her interest in the alterations was
very keen; there were very few days in which they did not drive to the
old house, and Mrs. Fordyce was surprised alike at the common-sense and
the artistic taste she displayed in that interest.

'Do you think, dear Mrs. Fordyce,' she asked one day, when they happened
to be alone together at Bourhill,--'do you think the house could be
ready for me by the end of September, when you return to Glasgow?'

'It will be ready, of course; there is really very little to do now,'
replied Mrs. Fordyce. 'But why do you ask?'

'Why, because if it is ready, then I need not go up with you. You have
been very kind--I can never, never forget it; but, of course, when I
have a home of my own it would not be right of me to trespass any longer
on your kindness,' said Gladys thoughtfully.

Mrs. Fordyce could not forbear a smile.

'How old are you, my dear? I do not know that I have ever heard your age
exactly.'

'I shall be eighteen next month.'

'Eighteen next month?--not a very responsible age. Is it possible, my
dear, that you feel perfectly fit to take possession here, that you
would have no tremors regarding your lonely position and your
responsibility?'

'I have no such feeling, Mrs. Fordyce. I could live here quite well. Is
there any reason why I should not?' she asked, observing the doubtful
expression on the face of her kind friend.

'It is quite impossible, my dear, whatever your feelings may
be,--altogether out of the question that you should live here alone.'

'But tell me why? I am not a child. I have always seemed to occupy a
responsible position, where I have had to think and act for myself.'

'Yes, you have; but