face. "What's the matter?" she asked, with a sudden change of voice and
manner.

"Nothing."

Blanche's observation saw too plainly to be blinded in that way.

"There _is_ something the matter," she said. "Is it money?" she added,
after a moment's consideration. "Bills to pay? I have got plenty of
money, Anne. I'll lend you what you like."

"No, no, my dear!"

Blanche drew back, a little hurt. Anne was keeping her at a distance for
the first time in Blanche's experience of her.

"I tell you all my secrets," she said. "Why are _you_ keeping a secret
from _me?_ Do you know that you have been looking anxious and out of
spirits for some time past? Perhaps you don't like Mr. Brinkworth? No?
you _do_ like him? Is it my marrying, then? I believe it is! You fancy
we shall be parted, you goose? As if I could do without you! Of course,
when I am married to Arnold, you will come and live with us. That's
quite understood between us--isn't it?"

Anne drew herself suddenly, almost roughly, away from Blanche, and
pointed out to the steps.

"There is somebody coming," she said. "Look!"

The person coming was Arnold. It was Blanche's turn to play, and he had