I trust that he has not changed his opinion since then; but Giles is so odd when people disappoint him.

I said last night that we would invite you for to-morrow, and then you and Gladys could finish your talk; but he was as cross as possible, and begged that I would invite no one for Thursday, as he was very busy, and Gladys must find another opportunity for her talk.

There, how I am chattering on!--and perhaps I ought not to have said all that; but I thought you would wonder at our want of neighbourliness, and of course we cannot expect you to understand Giles's odd temper: it is a great pity he has got this idea in his head.' 'What idea, Miss Darrell ?' 'Dear, dear, how sharp you are! how you take me up! Of course it is only Giles's ill temper: he cannot really think you wanting in ballast.' 'Oh, I understand now.

Please go on.' 'But I have no more to say,' rather bewildered by my abruptness.

'Of course we shall see you soon, when all this has blown over.