Mrs.Costello had vaguer, but equally oppressive forebodings.

She saw that in all probability a few weeks longer would find her peaceful home deserted, and herself and Lucia fugitives.

Even if Maurice, transported into a new world with new interests and incalculably brighter prospects, should still retain his affection for them--and _that_ she scarcely doubted--how could he ever again be to them what he had been?
far less, what she had hoped he might be?
When Maurice returned, earlier than they expected, from the town, he found them still together.

Mrs.Costello soon rose to return home, having seen to the last possible arrangement for the traveller's comfort.

He proposed to accompany her, and say good-bye to Lucia, and they left the house together.
"I want to ask you to do me another kindness yet," he said, as soon as they had left the house.