. Hilbrough had finished her recital Millard sat a minute
absorbed in thought. It occurred to him that if he had not spoken so
impetuously to Phillida and then left her so abruptly he might have had
this story in her own version, and thus have spared himself the
imprudence and indecorum of discussing Phillida with Mrs. Hilbrough. But
he could not refrain from making the request he had had in mind when he
came, and which alone could explain and justify to Mrs. Hilbrough his
confidence.

"I came here to-day on an impulse," he said. "Knowing your friendliness
for Phillida, and counting on your kindness, I thought perhaps you might
bring your influence to bear--to--to--what shall I say?--to modify
Phillida's zeal and render her a little less sure of her vocation to
pursue a course that must make her talked about in a way that is certain
to vulgarize her name."

Mrs. Hilbrough shook her head. She was flattered by Millard's
confidence, but she saw the difficulty of the task he had set for her.

"Count on me for anything I can do, but that is something that I suppose
no one can accomplish. What Phillida thinks right she will do if she
were to be thrown to the wild beasts for it."

"Yes, yes; that is her great superiority," he added, with mingled
admiration and despondency.

"You, who have more influence than any one else," said Mrs. Hilbrough,
"have talked with her. I suppose her mother has said what could be said,
and Agatha must have been a perfect thorn in the flesh to her since the
matter became known at home."

"Yes," said Millard, ruefully; "she must have suffered a great deal,
poor child!"

"I don't suppose Mrs. Gouverneur let her off cheaply," continued Mrs.
Hilbrough. "She must have made Phillida feel that she was overthrowing
the statues of her great-grandfathers, and she no doubt urged the
unhappiness she would cause you."

Millard saw at this moment the origin of Phillida's sensitiveness in
talking with him.

"I don't care for myself, but I wish to heaven that I could shelter her
a little from the ridicule she will suffer." He was leaning forward with
his hand on his knee and his eyes cast down.

Mrs. Hilbrough felt herself moved at sight of so much feeling in one not
wont to show his emotions to others.

"I will see if anything can be done, Mr. Millard; but I am afraid not.
I'll ask Phillida here to lunch some day this week."

The winter sunshine had all gone, the lights in the streets were winning