y that in some moment of
aberration she might have written words meant for another on the note to
Tims.

Tims felt sure that Milly wished her to do something--but what?

"Where are you going?" she asked. "What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to stay with some friends who have a house on the river, and
I'm going to do--what people always do on the river. Any other questions
to ask, Tims?"

"Yes. I should like to know who your friends are."

Mildred laughed nervously.

"You won't be any the wiser if I tell you." And in the instant she
reflected that what she said was true. "I am going to the Gorings'."

The difference between that and the exact truth was only the difference
between the plural and the singular.

"Don't go, old girl," said Tims, earnestly. "Come back to Tony with me
and wait till Ian comes home."

Mildred was very pale behind the heavy black lace of her veil and her
heart beat hard; but she spoke with self-possession.

"Don't be absurd, Tims. Tony is perfectly well, and there's Mr. Goring
who is to travel down with me. How can I possibly go back? You're
worrying about Milly, I suppose. Well, I'm rather nervous about her
myself. I always am when I go away alone. You don't mind my telling them
to wire for you if I sleep too long, do you? And you'd come as quick as
ever you could? Think how awkward it would be for Milly and for--for the
Gorings."

"I'd come right enough," returned Tims, sombrely. "But if you feel like
that, don't go."

"I don't feel like that," replied Mildred; "I never felt less like it,
or I shouldn't go. Still, one should be prepared for anything that may
happen. All the same, I very much doubt that you will ever see your poor
friend Milly again, Tims. You must try to forgive me. Now do make haste
and go to darling Tony--he's simply longing to have you. I see Mr.
Goring has taken our places in the train, and I shall be left behind if
I don't go. Good-bye, old Tims."

Mildred kissed Tims's heated, care-distorted face, and turned away to
where Goring stood at the book-stall buying superfluous literature. Tims
saw him lift his hat gravely to Mildred. It relieved her vaguely to
notice that there seemed no warmth or familiarity about their greeting.
She turned away towards the Metropolitan Railway, not feeling quite sure
whether she had failed in an important mission or merely made a fool of
herself.

She found Tony certainly looking bonny, and no more inclined to break
his