When Stephen White saw his new tenants' first preparations for moving into his house, he was conscious of a strangely mingled feeling, half irritation, and half delight.

Four weeks had passed since the unlucky evening on which he had taken Mercy to his mother's room, and he had not seen her face again.

He had called at the hotel twice, but had found only Mrs.Carr at home.

Mercy had sent a messenger with only a verbal message, when she wished the key of the house.
She had an undefined feeling that she would not come into any relation with Stephen White, if it could be avoided.

She was heartily glad that she had not been in the house when he called.