ndow. The fog was worse; it was so thick now that
you could not see your way even as far as the trees in the middle of
the square. There were fog-signals sounding from time to time, and
cabs going very slowly, and boys carrying torches to light belated and
lost passengers.

Maggie was safe enough in her room, which had, like all the other
bedrooms at Aylmer House, a small fire burning in the grate. By-and-by
some one tapped at the door. Maggie said, "Don't come in"; but her
words were unheeded. The door was opened an inch or two, and Merry
Cardew entered.

"Oh Merry, you--of all people!" said Maggie.

"And why not?" said Merry. "I am your friend--your own very, very
great friend. What is the matter, Mags? You were so jolly at tea; what
can have happened since?"

"Something most dreadful," said Maggie; "but you will know on
Saturday."

"Oh!" said Merry, coming up to Maggie and dropping on her knees and
fondling one of the girl's cold hands, "why should I wait till
Saturday? Why should I not know now?"

"I can't talk of it, Merry. I am glad you--you--_loved_ me. You won't
love me in the future. But kiss me just this once."

"I am not going to leave you like this," said Merry.

"You must, dear; yes, you must. Please, please go! And--please, be
quick. Some one will see us together. Lucy Johnson will come in. Oh!
don't make matters worse for me. Good-night, Merry, good-night."

Maggie seemed so anxious that Merry should go that the girl felt hurt
and rose to her feet.

"Good-night, Merry dear," said Maggie as Merry was walking towards the
door. Then she added, in a semi-whisper which Merry did not catch,
"And good-bye, Merry dear; we shall never meet again."

Merry left the room, feeling full of apprehension. She thought for a
minute as she stood outside. Then she went and knocked at Aneta's
door.

"Aneta, may I come in?"

"Of course, dear. What is the matter?" said her cousin.

Merry entered at once.

"I have been to see Maggie. She is awfully queer. Oh, I know I broke
the rules. I must tell Miss Johnson in the morning."

"I did beg of you, Merry, not to go to her," said Aneta.

"Yes, I know you did; but I could not help thinking and thinking about
her. She is very queer. Her eyes look so strange."

"I hoped she was in bed and asleep," said Aneta.

"In bed!" said Merry. "Not a bit of it. She was up and sitting by the
window gazing at the fog."

"I will go and see her myself," said Aneta.

"Will