'I hope she will enjoy herself,' said Mr. Bullivant, with careful
civility.

'But of course she won't enjoy it very much if she has to go alone.
As you have no particular engagement, Mr. Bullivant, wouldn't it be
kind to--?'

The suggestion was incomplete, but intelligible.

'I couldn't ask Miss Eade to let me accompany her,' said the young
man gravely.

'Oh, I think you could. She would like it.'

Monica looked rather frightened at her boldness, and quickly added--

'Now I must say good-bye. There comes the bus.'

Bullivant turned desperately in that direction. He saw there was as
yet no inside passenger.

'Do allow me to go a short way with you?' burst from his lips. 'I
positively don't know how I shall spend the morning.'

Monica had signalled to the driver, and was hurrying forward.
Bullivant followed, reckless of consequences. In a minute both were
seated within.

'You will forgive me?' pleaded the young fellow, remarking a look of
serious irritation on his companion's face. 'I must be with you a