hurt her friend, she was filled with remorse, and drove at once
in great haste to Jermyn Street, to announce her return in
person. On the way she decided that she would soften the blow of
her week of neglect by asking him to take her out to luncheon.
This privilege she had once or twice accorded him, and she felt
that the pleasure these excursions gave Carroll were worth the
consternation they caused to Lady Gower.

The servant was uncertain whether Mr. Carroll was at home or not,
but Helen was too intent upon making restitution to wait for the
fact to be determined, and, running up the stairs, knocked
sharply at the door of his study.

A voice bade her come in, and she entered, radiant and smiling
her welcome. But Carroll was not there to receive it, and
instead, Marion Cavendish looked up at her from his desk where
she was busily writing. Helen paused with a surprised laugh, but
Marion sprang up and hailed her gladly. They met half way across
the room and kissed each other with the most friendly feeling.

Philip was out, Marion said, and she had just stepped in for a
moment to write him a note. If Helen would excuse her, she would
finish it, as she was late for rehearsal.

But she asked over her shoulder, with great interest, if Helen
had passed a pleasant summer. She thought she had never seen her
looking so well. Helen thought Miss Cavendish herself was
looking very well also, but Marion said no; that she was too
sunburnt, she would not be able to wear a dinner-dress for a
month. There was a pause while Marion's quill scratched