to be thinking of getting a partner! And it would begin almost
immediately! In three weeks the examination would be held. He could
not fail to pass--then for the 400 pounds and Runnygate!

And then, unhappily, George leaned against this castle wall; provoked
the crash.

"Till then, dear," he said, "you will stay with these Chater people. I
know you hate it; but it will be only a short time, a few weeks at
most."

Instantly her gay twittering ceased. Trouble drove glee from her eyes.
Memory chased dreams from her brain. Distress tore down the gay
colours from her cheeks. She clasped her hands; from her seat half
rose.

"Oh!" she cried; and again, "Oh! I had forgotten!"

"Forgotten? Forgotten what?"

"Dearest, I should have told you at the beginning, but I could not. I
wanted to wait until I knew. I have not seen her yet this morning."

My startled George was becoming pale. "Knew what? Seen whom? What do
you mean?"

She said, "No, I won't tell you. I won't spoil all this beautiful
morning we have spent. I will wait till next week."

"Mary, what do you mean? Wait till next week? No. You must tell me