Perhaps we shall have her here again some day.' Mrs.Ormonde went down with Annabel to the drawing-room.

She was in a happy mood to-night, and, as they descended together, she put her arm playfully about the girl's waist.
'I wonder where Mr.Grail has taken her ?' she said.

'I can't get any news from Mr.Egremont.I wrote to Jersey, and behold the letter is returned to me, with 'Gone and left no address.' I wonder whether he's back in town!' 'I have some news of him,' Annabel said quietly.
'Have you ?' There was no reply till they were in the drawing-room; then Annabel held out her cousin's letter.
'Will you read that ?' Mrs.Ormonde complied, Annabel watching her face the while.

The girl looked for indignation, for scornful disbelief; she saw something quite different.

Mrs.Ormonde's hand trembled, but in a moment she had overcome all weakness.
'Sit down, dear,' she said, calmly.