ADRIFT It was partly out of kindness to Thyrza that Totty Nancarrow had changed her mind about going to Eastbourne.

Having seen her and mentioned the matter, Totty saw at once how eagerly Thyrza would accept such a chance.

But it happened that within the same hour she saw Luke Ackroyd, and Luke had proposed a meeting on Saturday afternoon.

Totty had no extreme desire to meet him, and yet--perhaps she might as well.
He talked of going up the river to Battersea Park, as the weather was so fine.
So at three on Saturday, Totty stood by the landing-stage at Lambeth.
In fact, she was there at least five minutes before the appointed time.
But her punctuality was wasted.

Ten minutes past three by Lambeth parish church, and no Mr.Ackroyd.
'Well, I call this nice!' Totty exclaimed to herself.