blacker, they always begin to mend. I've
found that out before; I don't know if you have."

"I found it out this morning."

Micky looked down at her. She was sitting with her hands clasped
together in her lap; there was a little flush in her cheeks, and her
lips were curved into a faint smile.

"It seems so wonderful too," she went on softly, "that it should have
happened on New Year's Day----"

"Fares, all fares, please," said the conductor beside them. Micky
dived into a pocket and found a shilling.

"Two, please," he said.

He had paid for and shared taxicabs with Marie Deland times without
number, but it had never given him quite the same pleasurable little
thrill as he experienced at this moment.

There was something so pleasantly familiar about this tramcar ride,
the fact of sharing the same uncomfortable seat with Esther
Shepstone.

"Penny ones?" the conductor asked.

Micky looked at the girl.

"Where shall we get off?" he asked.

"Penny ones will do," she said.

Micky took the tickets and pocketed his change.

"I don't know if there are any decent teashops round here," he said
dubiously. "If you would rather go up to the West End...."

But finally they found a confectioner's quite close to where the penny
fare ended.

Micky looked round critically.

"Is this all right?" he asked. "I've never been here before."

"I have, often," she said. She was drawing off her gloves.

Micky glanced hurriedly at her hands; she was wearing a ring. Hardly
knowing that he did so, he leaned across and touched it.

"Is that an engagement ring?" he asked. His voice sounded a little
breathless.

She looked up at him, drawing her hand away.

"Why do you ask me?"

He drew back; he shrugged his shoulders.

"I beg your pardon. I suppose I have no right to ask."

He ordered tea. He talked rather forced platitudes for the rest of the
time. He was just going to call for the bill, when Esther Shepstone
said suddenly--

"Mr. Mellowes, I should like to tell you something."

"Yes!" Micky did not look at her. Somehow he could not trust himself.

"I don't in the least know why I want to tell you," she said again
nervously. "But--you've been so kind to me...."

"Yes!" said Micky gently, as she paused. "Yes, what is it?"

She was twisting her teaspoon, and she kept her eyes lowered.

"Last night, when I met you--I was very unhappy ... There didn't seem
anything to live for in the world.... I don't know if you