But to his great annoyance she was not alone; Nellie was with her.

Mrs.Goddard sat near the fire, reading a review; Nellie was curled up in a corner of the deep sofa with a book, her thick brown curls falling all over her face and hands as she read.

Mrs.Goddard extended her hand, without rising.
"How do you do, Mr.Short ?" she said.

The young man stood hat in hand in the middle of the room, feeling very nervous.

It was strange that he should experience any embarrassment now, considering how many hours he had spent in her company during the last few days.