----? That was all over long ago. And she would never--I'm _sure_
she wouldn't, after all you've done for her."

Hilliard ground the carpet with his foot, and all but uttered a
violent ejaculation.

"I know she is all gratitude," were the words that became audible.

"She is indeed!" urged Patty. "She says that--even if she wished
--she could never break off with you; as I am _sure_ she would
never wish!"

"Ah! that's what she says," murmured the other. And abruptly he
rose. "There's no use in talking about this. You are here for a
holiday, and not to be bored with other people's troubles. The sun
is trying to shine. Let us go and see the town, and then--yes,
I'll go back with you to Dudley, just to hear whether Eve is feeling
any better. You could see her, and then come out and tell me."

"Mr. Hilliard, I'm quite sure you are worrying without any cause--
you are, indeed!"

"I know I am. It's all nonsense. Come along, and let us enjoy the
sunshine."

They spent three or four hours together, Hilliard resolute in his
discharge of hospitable duties, and Miss Ringrose, after a brief
spell of unnatural gravity, allowing no reflection to interfere with
her holiday mood. Hilliard had never felt quite sure as to the
limits of Patty's intelligence; he could not take her seriously, and