"Better not. Eve would be afraid to come, she catches cold so
easily."

"It may be fine, like to-day. I do hope----"

She broke off and added:

"Why, isn't that Eve in front?"

Eve it certainly was, walking slowly away from the station, a few
yards in advance of them. They quickened their pace, and Patty
caught her friend by the arm. Eve, startled out of abstraction,
stared at her with eyes of dismay and bloodless cheeks.

"Did I frighten you? Mr. Hilliard has come back with me to ask how
you are. Is your head better?"

"I've just been down to the station--for something to do," said
Eve, her look fixed on Hilliard with what seemed to him a very
strange intensity. "The afternoon was so fine."

"We've had a splendid time," cried Patty. "Mr. Hilliard has shown me
everything."

"I'm so glad. I should only have spoilt it if I had been with you.
It's wretched going about with a headache, and I can't make believe
to enjoy Birmingham."

Eve spoke hurriedly, still regarding Hilliard, who looked upon the