When I think of what I went through that first fortnight--' 'Eleanor!' 'You are the only man I ever knew that could sit silent through a whole meal.

By to-morrow Miss Foster will have added that experience to her collection.

Well--I shall be prepared with my consolations--there's the carriage--and the bell!' They fled indoors, escaping through the side entrances of the salon, before the visitor could be shown in.
* * * * * 'Must I change my dress ?' The voice that asked the question trembled with agitation and fatigue.

But the girl who owned the voice stood up stiffly, looking at Miss Manisty with a frowning, almost a threatening shyness.
'Well, my dear,' said Miss Manisty, hesitating.

'Are you not rather dusty?
We can easily keep dinner a quarter of an hour.' She looked at the grey alpaca dress before her, in some perplexity.
'Oh, very well'-- said the girl hurriedly.--'Of course I'll change.
Only'-- and the voice fluttered again evidently against her will--'I'm afraid I haven't anything very nice.