ine, I was so angry with you yesterday," he said. "I very nearly
left London and abandoned you to your fate, but now that I have seen you
again--" He paused.

"You think Paris is a long way off!" I said, innocently.

"What have they been telling you?" he said, sternly, but he was not quite
comfortable.

"They have been saying it is a fine November, and the Stock Exchange is no
place to play in, and if it weren't for bridge they would all commit
suicide. That is what we talk of at Park Street."

"You know very well what I mean. What have they been telling you about
me?"

"Nothing, except that there is a charming French lady who adores you, and
whom you are devoted to--and I am so sympathetic. I like Frenchwomen, they
put on their hats so nicely."

"What ridiculous gossip! I don't think Park Street is the place for you to
stay. I thought you had more mind than to chatter like this."

"I suit myself to my company." I laughed, and waited for Veronique, who
had stopped respectfully behind. She came up reluctantly. She disapproves
of all English unconventionality, but she feels it her duty to encourage
Mr. Carruthers.

"Should she run on and stop the young ladies," she suggested, pointing to
the angels in front.

"Yes, do," said Mr. Carruthers, and before I could prevent her she was
off.

Traitress! She was thinking of her own comfortable quarters at Branches, I
know.

The sharp, fresh air got into my head. I felt gay, and without care. I
said heaps of things to Mr. Carruthers, just as I had once before to
Malcolm, only this was much more fun, because Mr. Carruthers isn't a
red-haired Scotchman and can see things.

It seemed a day of meetings, for when we got down to the end we
encountered Lord Robert walking leisurely in our direction. He looked as
black as night when he caught sight of us.

"Hello, Bob!" said Mr. Carruthers, cheerfully. "Ages since I saw you. Will
you come and dine to-night? I have a box for this winter opera that is on,
and I am trying to persuade Miss Travers to come. She says Lady Verningham
is not engaged to-night, she knows, and we might dine quietly and all go;
don't you think so?"

Lord Robert said he would, but he added, "Miss Travers would never come
out before--she said she was in too deep mourning." He seemed aggrieved.

"I am going to sit in the back of the box and no one will see me," I said.
"And I do love music so."

"We had better let Lady Verningham know at once then,"