herself rather than of the station-master, when at last there sounded,
close to her ears, the bell of promise, and she knew that the train was
at hand.

At Taunton there branched away from the main line that line which was
to take her to Perivale, and therefore she was able to take her own
place quietly in the carriage when she found that the down- train from
London was at hand. This she did, and could then watch with equanimity,
while the travellers from the other train went through the penance of
changing their seats. But she had not been so watching for many seconds
when she saw Captain Frederic Aylmer appear upon the platform.
Immediately she sank back into her corner and watched no more. Of
course he was going to Perivale; but why had not her aunt told her that
she was to meet him? Of course she would be staying in the same house
with him, and her present small attempt to avoid him would thus be
futile. The attempt was made; but nevertheless she was probably pleased
when she found that it was made in vain. He came at once to the
carriage in which she was sitting, and had packed his coats, and
dressing-bag, and desk about the carriage before he had discovered who
was his fellow-traveller 'How do you do, Captain Aylmer?' she said, as
he was about to take his seat.

'Miss Amedroz! Dear me; how very odd! I had not the slightest
expectation of meeting you here. The pleasure is of course the greater.'

'Nor I of seeing you. Mrs Winterfield has not mentioned to me that you
were coming to Perivale.'

'I didn't know it myself till the day before yesterday. I'm going to
give an account of my stewardship to the good-natured Perivalians who