observed.

"He has always been prevented hitherto," said she, with dignity.

So I went, and it proved a most agreeable expedition. There were 200
girls in blue frocks and white aprons (the girl three from the end of
the fifth row was decidedly pretty)--a nice lot of prize books--the
Micklehams (Dolly in demure black), ourselves, and the matron. All went
well. Dolly gave away the prizes; Mrs. Hilary and Archie made little
speeches. Then the matron came to me. I was sitting modestly at the back
of the platform, a little distance behind the others.

"Mr. Musgrave," said the matron to me, "we're so glad to see you here at
last. Won't you say a few words?"

"It would be a privilege," I responded cordially, "but unhappily I have
a sore throat."

The matron (who was a most respectable woman) said, "Dear, dear!" but
did not press the point. Evidently, however, she liked me, for when we
went to have a cup of tea, she got me in a corner and began to tell
me all about the work. It was extremely interesting. Then the matron
observed:

"And what an angel Mrs. Musgrave is!"

"Well, I should hardly call her that," said I, with a smile.

"Oh, you mustn't depreciate her--you, of all men!" cried the matron,
with a somewhat ponderous archness. "Really I envy you her constant
society."

"I assure you," said I, "I see very little of her."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I only go to the house about once a fortnight--Oh, it's not my fault.
She won't have me there oftener."

"What do you mean? I beg your pardon. Perhaps I've touched on a
painful--?"

"Not at all, not at all," said I suavely. "It is very natural. I am
neither young nor handsome, Mrs. Wiggins. I am not complaining."

The matron gazed at me.

"Only seeing her here," I pursued, "you have no idea of what she is at
home. She has chosen to forbid me to come to her house--"

"Her house?"

"It happens to be more hers than mine," I explained. "To forbid me, I
say, more than once to come to her house. No doubt she had her reasons."

"Nothing could justify it," said the matron, directing a wondering
glance at Mrs. Hilary.

"Do not let us blame her," said I. "It is just an unfortunate accident.
She is not as fond of me as I could wish, Mrs. Wiggins; and she is a
great deal fonder than I could wish of--"

I broke off. Mrs. Hilary was walking toward us. I think she was pleased
to see me getting on so well with the matron, for she was smiling
pleasantly. The matron wore a