If Roderick's idea really held him, it was an immense pity that his inspiration should be wasted; inspiration, in these days, had become too precious a commodity.

It was arranged therefore that, for the present, during the mornings, Mrs.Hudson should place herself at her son's service.

This involved but little sacrifice, for the good lady's appetite for antiquities was diminutive and bird-like, the usual round of galleries and churches fatigued her, and she was glad to purchase immunity from sight-seeing by a regular afternoon drive.

It became natural in this way that, Miss Garland having her mornings free, Rowland should propose to be the younger lady's guide in whatever explorations she might be disposed to make.

She said she knew nothing about it, but she had a great curiosity, and would be glad to see anything that he would show her.