"Your very affectionate friend,
"HARRIET LINDEN."

"P.S.--I suggest that you wire me the day and the train, so that I
can meet you. Don't lose any time, and be sure that all past
unhappiness can be ended, and the future faced with the certainty
of brighter and happier days."

Over this letter Joan Meredyth pondered a great deal. It was a
warm-hearted and affectionate response to her somewhat stilted little
appeal. Yet what did the old lady mean, to what did the veiled reference
apply?

"So you mean going, then?" Slotman asked.

"I told you I would go, and I shall. I leave to-morrow."

"You'll be glad to come back," he said. He looked at her, and there was
eagerness in his eyes. "Joan, don't be a fool, stay. I could give you a
good time, and--"

But she had turned her back on him.

She had written to Lady Linden thanking her for her kindly letter.

"I shall come to you on Saturday for the week-end, if I may. I
find there is a train at a quarter-past three. I shall come by
that to Cornbridge Station.