"Look here, Hilda," she said, a little tremulously, biting her lip, "I have to go out into Westbourne Grove to get those gloves for to-night, and a spray for my hair; will you excuse me for half an hour ?" Holsworthy rose too.

"Mayn't I go with you ?" he asked, eagerly.
"Oh, if you like.

How very kind of you!" Daphne answered, her cheek a blush rose.

"Hubert, will you come too?
and you, Hilda ?" It was one of those invitations which are given to be refused.

I did not need Hilda's warning glance to tell me that my company would be quite superfluous.