"I've never seen her." "She has seen you, sir, whether or no." "Never." "Yes; she saw you in some hotel or street for a minute or two while you were away travelling, and accidentally heard your name; and when she made some remark about you, Miss Ellis--that's her maid--told her you was on your wedding-tower with Mr.Melbury's daughter; and she said, 'He ought to have done better than that.

I fear he has spoiled his chances,' she says." Fitzpiers did not talk much longer to this cheering housewife, and walked home with no very brisk step.

He entered the door quietly, and went straight up-stairs to the drawing-room extemporized for their use by Melbury in his and his bride's absence, expecting to find her there as he had left her.

The fire was burning still, but there were no lights.

He looked into the next apartment, fitted up as a little dining-room, but no supper was laid.