'Edmund must bring you--at some quiet time when we can talk.

Very glad to have met you--very glad indeed.' And the personage was gone; they heard her carriage roll away from beneath the window.

All three drew a breath of relief, and Widdowson, suddenly quite another man, took a place near to Virginia, with whom in a few minutes he was conversing in the friendliest way.

Virginia, experiencing a like relief, also became herself; she found courage to ask needful questions, which in every case were satisfactorily met.

Of Mrs.Luke there was no word, but when they had taken their leave--the visit lasted altogether some two hours--Monica and her sister discussed that great lady with the utmost freedom.