unusually. He became silent at times, and then tried to laugh away
the unpleasantness, but the laughter was not exactly spontaneous. At
length he brought back the conversation to the point from which it
had started, and asked if she had any serious intention of leaving
Mrs. Ogle.

"I'm tired of being ordered about by people!" Harriet exclaimed. "I
know I sha'n't put up with it much longer. I only wish I'd a few
pounds to start a shop for myself."

"I heartily wish I had the money to give you," was Julian's reply.

"Don't you save anything at all?" asked his cousin, with affected
indifference.

"A little; very little. At all events, I think we shall be able to
have our week at the seaside when the time comes. Have you thought
where you'd like to go to?"

"No; I haven't thought anything about it. What time shall you get
back home to-night?"

"Rather late, I dare say. We sit talking and forget the time. It may
be after twelve o'clock."

Harriet became silent again. They reached Hyde Park, and joined the
crowds of people going in all directions about the walks. Harriet
had always a number of ill-natured comments to make on the dress and
general appearance of people they passed. Julian smiled, but with no
genuine pleasure. As always, he did his best to lead the girl's