ow," he
added, "that doesn't matter. I've made my prophecy. You'll tell me
afterwards, if I have the pleasure of seeing you again, whether it has come
true."

"It won't come true," said Zora.

"We shall see," said the wise man.

She dashed, that afternoon, into her sister's tiny flat in Chelsea. Emily,
taken by surprise, hastily stuffed to the bottom of her work-basket a man's
silk tie which she was knitting, and then greeted Zora affectionately.

She was shorter, slimmer, paler than her sister: of a certain babyish
prettiness. She had Mrs. Oldrieve's weak mouth and gentle ways.

"Why, Zora, who would have thought of seeing you? What are you doing in
town?"

"Getting hats and frocks--a trousseau of freedom. I've left Nunsmere. I'm
on my own."

Her eyes sparkled, her cheeks were flushed. She caught Emily to her bosom.

"Oh, darling! I'm so happy--a bird let out of a cage."

"An awful big bird," laughed Emily.

"Yes, let out of an awful small cage. I'm going to see the world, for the
first time in my life. I'm going to get out of the cold and wet--going
South--to Italy--Sicily--Egypt--anywhere."

"All by yourself?"

"There'll be Turner."

"Turner?"

"Ah, you don't know her. My new maid. But isn't it glorious? Why shouldn't
you come with me, darling? Do. Come."

"And throw up my engagement? I couldn't. I should love it, but you don't
know how hard engagements are to get."

"Never mind. I'll pay for everything."

But Emily shook her fluffy head. She had a good part, a few lines to speak
and a bit of a song to sing in a successful musical comedy. She looked back
on the two years' price she had paid for that little bit of a song. It was
dearer to her than anything--save one thing--in life.

"I can't. Besides, don't you think a couple of girls fooling about alone
look rather silly? It wouldn't really be very funny without a man."

Zora rose in protest. "The whole human race is man-mad! Even mother. I
think everybody is detestable!"

The maid announced "Mr. Mordaunt Prince," and a handsome man with finely
cut, dark features and black hair parted in the middle and brushed tightly
back over the head, entered the room. Emmy presented him to Zora, who
recognized him as the leading man at the theater where Emmy was playing.
Zora exchanged a few polite commonplaces with the visitor and then took her
leave. Emmy accompanied her to the front door of the flat.

"Isn't he charming?"

"That creature?" asked Zo