knelt at the _prie-dieu_.

Lady Groombridge knew Rose too well to be surprised. But she did not,
like the young widow, pass the time in prayer; she was worried--even
deeply so. She was of an anxious temperament, and she was really shocked
at what had happened.

Molly did not come back with any air of mystery, but with a curiously
negative look.

"Thirty-five pounds," she said very quietly.

Lady Groombridge sat up, very wide awake.

"More than half his allowance for a whole year," she said with
conviction.

"Oh dear, dear," said Lady Rose, rising as gracefully as a guardian
angel from her _prie-dieu_.

Molly made no comment, although in her heart she was very angry with
Mrs. Delaport Green. Her quick "Good-night" was very cordially returned
by the other two.

"Now tell me something more about Miss Molly Dexter," said Rose, sinking
on to a tiny footstool at Lady Groombridge's feet as soon as they were
alone.

"I am ashamed to say that I know very little about her; I am simply
furious with myself for having asked them at all. I don't often yield to