him, and all suspense and anxiety were at an end. She
thanked Mrs. Verdon for her courtesy, learned that Jamie's home was in
Portman Square, and then gave her own address in return, and went
quietly away with her two companions.

Arnold Wayne was left with Mrs. Verdon, who had recovered her courage,
and was easily persuaded to re-enter her carriage. The horses had never
bolted before; the coachman was not likely to fail in vigilance again;
there was really no danger in taking the homeward drive. But she was a
little nervous still, and it would be so very kind if Mr. Wayne would
accompany her.

He was quite willing to accompany her.

It was a perfect summer evening, balmy and still; the air was full of
delicate, dewy perfumes; a rich rose-colour burned in the west, and
touched the silver gleam of the river with the last glow of the day. The
carriage rolled easily along; Jamie, with sleepy blue eyes, half-open,
enjoyed the motion in silent content. Mrs. Verdon, with gentle
animation, talked to Mr. Wayne.

Elsie, walking slowly down the hill, caught a glimpse of the carriage
and its occupants, and noted the dainty bonnet bending towards the dark
head. A sense of loneliness, of aloofness, seemed to possess her that
evening. The scent of flowers had something sad in its sweetness (as
flower-scents often have); the sunset light suggested solemn thoughts.
Mrs. Beaton remarked that she looked languid and pale.

"All this excitement has been too much for you, Miss Kilner," she said.
"What a day we have had! How little we realised what was in store for us
when we started this morning! But I shall sleep soundly to-night,
knowing that Jamie is safe."

"It is a splendid thing for the boy," Elsie remarked. "What a beautiful
child he is!"

"Yes; his beauty attracted Mrs. Verdon at first; but I think she loves
him for his own sake. She is a charming lady, Miss Kilner."

"Very charming," Elsie admitted at once.

"And you'll go to see her, and tell us how Jamie goes on," Mrs. Beaton
continued. "Mr. Wayne, too, will look after him; he won't lack friends."

"Supposing that Mrs. Verdon should marry again, what would she do with
Jamie?" asked Mrs. Penn in a dismal voice. "Mr. Wayne seemed very
attentive to her, I thought."

"It would be a very good thing for Jamie if she married Mr. Wayne, his
uncle's old friend," Mrs. Beaton replied. "But I daresay she has a score
of lovers. However, you may be sure that she will never neglect