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VANDERBANK.
I "I think you had better wait," Mrs.Brook said, "till I see if he has gone;" and on the arrival the next moment of the servants with the tea she was able to put her question.

"Is Mr.Cashmore still with Miss Brookenham ?" "No, ma'am," the footman replied.

"I let Mr.Cashmore out five minutes ago." Vanderbank showed for the next short time by his behaviour what he felt at not yet being free to act on this; moving pointlessly about the room while the servants arranged the tea-table and taking no trouble to make, for appearance, any other talk.

Mrs.Brook, on her side, took so little that the silence--which their temporary companions had all the effect of keeping up by conscious dawdling--became precisely one of those precious lights for the circle belowstairs which people fondly fancy they have not kindled when they have not spoken.