"But of course such an idea doesn't enter the young people's heads, it would be very undesirable that it should do.

But now Ralph has returned he will be wanting to get his commission at once, and then he may be away on foreign service for years, and I do think it would be a good thing for the young people to see as much of each other as possible before he goes.

If anything happens to me before he comes back, and you know how probable it is that this will be the case, they would meet almost as strangers, and I do want to see my pet scheme at least on the way to be carried out before I go.

It would be a treat for Mabel, and I am sure that Mrs.Conway will look after her well." "How long are you thinking of stopping there, Mr.Penfold ?" "Oh, ten days or a fortnight.

I shall be a day or two in town as I go through, for I want to arrange about Ralph's commission.