platform, and glanced quickly at every passenger. No,
Gladys had certainly not come to meet her. Giving up her ticket, she
found herself on the open platform, and ordering a cab, she got in,
telling the man to drive to number 8, Down Terrace. She then lent back,
determined to enjoy everything that came under her notice. "It seems a
big place" she said, as she drove through the crowded High Street of
Richmond, halting every now and then to let a dust cart or some other
vehicle pass over them.

At last the Terrace Gardens came in view and Helen knew it would not be
long before the cab stopped.

She was right; just then it stopped in front of a row of large well
built houses and having paid her fare Helen ran up the steps and rang
the bell.

It was answered by a stout middle aged woman.

In reply to Helen's enquiry she replied in hearty tones "Oh yes miss,
Miss Lincarrol is in right enough, she's been expecting you all the
morning almost.

Mrs. Norton had hardly uttered her statement, when Gladys herself came
flying downstairs and in a minute she had her arms round Helen's neck
and was hugging and kissing her to death.

"Oh Helen," she cried "how kind of you to come so soon, you dont know
what a lot I have to tell you."

"I am quite sure you have dear" answered Helen "I was delighted to be
able to come with out any bother"

"Did'nt Mr. Sheene mind?" enquired Gladys leading Helen up the richly
carpeted staircase." Oh not at all answered Helen brightly he seemed
quite pleased for me to have a holiday, and he gave me this" she added
holding up a bright gold piece.

At this juncture they arrived at Gladys's bedroom, and drawing back a
red plush curtain they emerged into a dainty little bedroom furnished
entirely in sea green and bamboo.

"Oh! what a charming room" gasped Helen thinking of her own plain room
at home compared to this perfect little paradise.

"Yes it is rather pretty" replied Gladys indifferently. all my rooms are
on this landing you know!

"How many have you?" asked Helen in surprise. "My sitting room is
opposite this, and there is a dear little conservatory opening out of it
in which I keep all my pet plants" replied Gladys "I think that is quite
enough for one girl dont you?"

"Quite" responded Helen "but where does Mr. Palsey sleep if you don't
mind me asking."

"Oh James has his appartments on the floor above this" said Gladys "now
do take off your hat, and come and chat in my cosy corne