And _must_ I go and call on the Miss Bertrams to-morrow ?" Her mock and smiling submission, as she stood, slender and lovely, amid the shadows of the hall, seemed to Hugh Roughsedge, as he looked back upon her, the prettiest piece of acting.

Then she turned, and he knew that she was going back to Marsham.

At the same moment he saw Mrs.
Colwood's little figure disappearing up the main stairway.

Frowning and silent, he followed his mother out of the house.
Diana looked round rather wistfully for Mrs.Colwood as she re-entered the room; but that lady had many letters to write.
Marsham noticed Mrs.Colwood's retreat with a thrill of pleasure.

Yet even now he had no immediate declaration in his mind.