he train won't wait for me," he said, and held out
his hand once more.

She was not only perplexed; she was really distressed. "Don't take leave
of me in that cold way!" she pleaded. Her eyes dropped before his, and
her lips trembled a little. "Give me a kiss, Robert, at parting." She
said those bold words softly and sadly, out of the depth of her pity
for him. He started; his face brightened suddenly; his sinking hope
rose again. In another moment the change came; in another moment he
understood her. As he touched her cheek with his lips, he turned pale
again. "Don't quite forget me," he said, in low, faltering tones--and
left her.

Miss Pink met Isabel in the hall. Refreshed by unbroken repose, the
ex-schoolmistress was in the happiest frame of mind for the reception of
her niece's news.

Informed that Moody had travelled to South Morden to personally report
the progress of the inquiries, Miss Pink highly approved of him as a
substitute for Mr. Troy. "Mr. Moody, as a banker's son, is a gentleman
by birth," she remarked; "he has condescended, in becoming Lady
Lydiard's steward. What I saw of him, when he came here with you,
prepossessed me in his favor. He has my confidence, Isabel, as well as
yours--he is in every respect a superior person to Mr. Troy. Did you
meet any friends, my dear, when you were out walking?"

The answer to this question produced a species of transformation in Miss
Pink. The rapturous rank-worship of her nation feasted, so to speak, on
Hardyman's message. She looked taller and younger than usual--she was
all smiles and sweetness. "At last, Isabel, you have seen birth and
breeding under their right aspect," she said. "In the society of Lady
Lydiard, you cannot possibly have formed correct ideas of the English
aristocracy. Observe Mr. Hardyman when he does me the honor to call
to-morrow--and you will see the difference."

"Mr. Hardyman is your visitor, aunt--not mine. I was going to ask you to
let me remain upstairs in my room."

Miss Pink was unaffectedly shocked. "This is what you learn at Lady
Lydiard's!" she observed. "No, Isabel, your absence would be a breach
of good manners--I cannot possibly permit it. You will be present to
receive our distinguished friend with me. And mind this!" added Miss
Pink, in her most impressive manner, "If Mr. Hardyman should by any
chance ask why you have left Lady Lydiard, not one word about those
disgraceful circumstances which connect you with the loss