"I never thought there was anything the' matter with her."

"Perhaps not, but I understand her better. Of course you won't say a
word of this to her. You take it as a holiday--as good fun. No
doubt I shall be able to have a few words in private with you now
and then. But at other times we must talk as if nothing special had
passed between us."

Patty mused. The lightness of her step told in what a spirit of
gaiety she looked forward to the expedition.

"Do you think," she asked presently, "that it'll all come to an end
--what I told you of?"

"Yes, I think so."

"You didn't let her know that I'd been talking----"

"Of course not. And, as I don't want her to know that you've seen me
to-night, you had better stay no longer. She's sure to have
something to tell you to-night or to-morrow morning. Get your
packing done, and be ready at any moment. When I hear from Eve in
the morning, I shall send her a telegram. Most likely we sha'n't see
each other again until we meet at Charing Cross. I hope it may be
tomorrow; but Thursday is the latest."

So Patty took her departure, tripping briskly homeward. As for
Hilliard, he returned to his sitting-room, and was busy for some
time with the pencilling of computations in English and French