eardon.'

This excited a laugh.

'I don't know when the will was made,' said Marian. 'And I don't know
whether uncle had even heard of the Reardons' misfortunes. I suppose he
must have done. My cousin John was at the funeral, but not my aunt. I
think it most likely father and John didn't speak a word to each other.
Fortunately the relatives were lost sight of in the great crowd of
Wattleborough people; there was an enormous procession, of course.'

Maud kept glancing at her sister. The ill-humour had not altogether
passed from her face, but it was now blended with reflectiveness.

A few moments more, and Marian had to hasten home. When she was gone the
sisters looked at each other.

'Five thousand pounds,' murmured the elder. 'I suppose that is
considered nothing.'

'I suppose so.--He was here when Marian came, but didn't stay.'

'Then you'll take him the news this evening?'

'Yes,' replied Dora. Then, after musing, 'He seemed annoyed that you
were at the Lanes' again.'

Maud made a movement of indifference.

'What has been putting you out?'

'Things were rather stupid. Some people who were to have come didn't
turn up. And--well, it doesn't matter.'

She rose and glanced at herself in the little oblong mirror over the
mantelpiece.

'Did Jasper ever speak to you of a Miss Rupert?' asked Dora.

'Not that I remember.'

'What do you think? He told me in the calmest way that he didn't see
why Marian should think of him as anything but the most ordinary
friend--said he had never given her reason to think anything else.'

'Indeed! And Miss Rupert is someone who has the honour of his
preference?'

'He says she is about thirty, and rather masculine, but a great heiress.
Jasper is shameful!'

'What do you expect? I consider it is your duty to let Marian know
everything he says. Otherwise you help to deceive her. He has no sense
of honour in such things.'

Dora was so impatient to let her brother have the news that she left
the house as soon as she had had tea on the chance of finding Jasper
at home. She had not gone a dozen yards before she encountered him in
person.

'I was afraid Marian might still be with you,' he said, laughing.

'I should have asked the landlady. Well?'

'We can't stand talking here. You had better come in.'

He was in too much excitement to wait.

'Just tell me. What has she?'

Dora walked quickly towards the house, looking annoyed.

'Nothing at all? Then what has her fath