r; she folded it hurriedly and
put it away; she cast a quick look at Micky, but he did not see it.
June was chattering away.

"So Esther is going on Monday," she informed Micky, "and I shall be
left once more to my lonesome. I'm not at all sure that I shall stay
on myself," she added. "It's been so jolly having some one to share
this room with me that I'm not looking forward to my own eternal
company."

There was a little silence.

"I may not go after all," Esther said suddenly. There was a note of
nervousness in her voice. She coloured, meeting June's amazed eyes.

June screamed.

"Not go! Well, I never!" She sat down in a heap on the hearthrug
staring at Esther. "I never knew such a girl," she complained. "Micky,
I appeal to you...."

But Micky was not going to be appealed to; he was stolidly stirring
his tea.

"I suppose I can change my mind if I like?" Esther said.

"Oh, it isn't you who have changed your mind," June cut in ironically.
"It's something that phantom lover of yours has said in his letter.
Own up, now."

"Well, and if it is?" Esther demurred. "I suppose he has a right to
say what he likes, hasn't he?" But she was laughing as she spoke; she
felt wonderfully happy and light-hearted. "I believe you're jealous,"
she declared.

"Jealous, indeed!" said June indignantly. Then suddenly she sighed.
"Well, perhaps I am; who knows? What does he say? or mayn't we ask?"

Micky had stopped stirring his tea; there was a sort of intentness
about his big figure.

Esther looked at him, and suddenly she stiffened.

"Never mind what he says," she answered defensively.

June laughed.

"Oh, all right--sorry if I was inquisitive." She deliberately turned
and began talking to Micky; Esther was left to herself, but she did
not mind, she had enough now to think about. The longed-for letter had
come at last.

She woke from her reverie with a start when Micky rose and said he
must be going.

"And don't you be so long before you come and see me again," June said
in her downright way. "And don't go without that sample, Micky--it
will go in your pocket quite easily." She darted off to her room to
fetch it, and Micky moved a step nearer to Esther.

"You have had good news?" he said.

She looked up startled.

Micky's eyes flamed.

"That being so, of course, it is useless for me to ask if you have
changed your mind yet?" he said again.

Esther gave a stifled cry.

"Are you trying to insult me?" she aske