innumerable little fissures. Then arose plantations of firs,
abruptly terminating beside meadows cleanly mown, in which
high-hipped, rich-coloured cows, with backs horizontal and straight
as the ridge of a house, stood motionless or lazily fed. Glimpses of
the sea now interested them, which became more and more frequent
till the train finally drew up beside the platform at Budmouth.

'The whole town is looking out for us,' had been Graye's impression
throughout the day. He called upon Mr. Gradfield--the only man who
had been directly informed of his coming--and found that Mr.
Gradfield had forgotten it.

However, arrangements were made with this gentleman--a stout,
active, grey-bearded burgher of sixty--by which Owen was to commence
work in his office the following week.

The same day Cytherea drew up and sent off the advertisement
appended:--


'A YOUNG LADY is desirous of meeting with an _engagement_ as
_governess_ or _companion_. She is competent to teach English,
French, and Music. Satisfactory references--Address, C. G.,
Post-Office, Budmouth.'


It seemed a more material existence than her own that she saw thus
delineated on the paper. 'That can't be myself; how odd I look!'
she said, and smiled.