THE MAN SHE REFUSED MOUNTJOY had decided on travelling to Honeybuzzard, as soon as he heard that Miss Henley was staying with strangers in that town.

Having had no earlier opportunity of preparing her to see him, he had considerately written to her from the inn, in preference to presenting himself unexpectedly at the doctor's house.

How would she receive the devoted friend, whose proposal of marriage she had refused for the second time, when they had last met in London?
The doctor's place of residence, situated in a solitary by-street, commanded a view, not perhaps encouraging to a gentleman who followed the medical profession: it was a view of the churchyard.

The door was opened by a woman-servant, who looked suspiciously at the stranger.
Without waiting to be questioned, she said her master was out.

Mountjoy mentioned his name, and asked for Miss Henley.
The servant's manner altered at once for the better; she showed him into a small drawing-room, scantily and cheaply furnished.