Then the colour came up into Lily's face, and she bethought herself in a moment that the old friend of her young days had loved her, that he, too, had had hopes as to his love, and that now he had heard tidings which would put an end to such hopes.

She understood it all in a moment, but understood also that it was necessary that she should conceal such understanding.
"Dear Johnny!" she said.

"Why did he not wait for me ?" "We told him you were out," said Mrs Dale.

"He will be here again before long, no doubt." "And he knows-- ?" "Yes; I thought you would not object to my telling him." "No, mamma; of course not.

And he has gone back to Guestwick ?" There was no answer given to this question, nor were there any further words then spoken about Johnny Eames.