you like, Patty."

Hilliard had counted on travelling back with her; to his great
disappointment, Eve answered his request to be allowed to do so with
a coldly civil refusal which there was no misunderstanding.

"But I hope you will let me see you again?"

"As you live so near me," she answered, "we are pretty sure to meet.
Are you coming or not, Patty?"

"Oh, of course I shall go if you do."

The young man shook hands with them; rather formally with Eve, with
Patty Ringrose as cordially as if they were old friends. And then he
lost sight of them amid the throng.



CHAPTER VII


How did Eve Madeley contrive to lead this life of leisure and
amusement? The question occupied Hilliard well on into the small
hours; he could hit upon no explanation which had the least
plausibility.

Was she engaged to be married to the man who met her at the
Exhibition? Her behaviour in his company by no means supported such
a surmise; yet there must be something more than ordinary