CHAPTER VIII.
'It may be someone calling upon me,' said Louise to the servant.
'Let me know the name before you show anyone in.' 'Of course, miss,' replied the domestic, with pert familiarity, and took her time in arranging the shade of the lamp.

When she returned from the door it was to announce, smilingly, that Mr.Cobb wished to see Miss Derrick.
'Please to show him in.' Louise stood in an attitude of joyous excitement, her eyes sparkling.

But at the first glance she perceived that her lover's mood was by no means correspondingly gay.

Cobb stalked forward and kept a stern gaze upon her, but said nothing.
'Well?
You got my letter, I suppose ?' 'What letter ?' He had not been home since breakfast-time, so Louise's appeal to him for advice lay waiting his arrival.

Impatiently, she described the course of events.