"At the place where she was bookkeeper there was a young lady from
Paris, and they shared lodgings, and Eve learnt it from her. Then
her friend went to Paris again, and Eve wanted very much to go with
her, but she didn't see how to manage it. Eve," she added, with a
laugh, "is always wanting to do something that's impossible."

A week later, Hilliard again called at the music-shop, and talked
for half an hour with Miss Ringrose, who had no fresh news from Eve.
His visits were repeated at intervals of a few days, and at length,
towards the end of June, he learnt that Miss Madeley was about to
return to London; she had obtained a new engagement, at the
establishment in Holborn of which Patty had spoken.

"And will she come back to her old lodgings?" he inquired.

Patty shook her head.

"She'll stay with me. I wanted her to come here before, but she
didn't care about it. Now she's altered her mind, and I'm very
glad."

Hilliard hesitated in putting the next question.

"Do you still feel anxious about her?"

The girl met his eyes for an instant.

"No. It's all right now."

"There's one thing I should like you to tell me--if you can."