"You think--you think, possibly--" "I don't think anything at all," interposed Mr.Alwynn, rather taken aback at the evident impression his vague words had made, and anxious to qualify them.

"I was only speaking generally; but--ahem! there is one point, as we are on the subject, that--" "Yes, yes ?" "Whether you consider any decision as final or not"-- Mr.Alwynn addressed the clouds in the sky--"I think, if you do not wish it to be known that anything has taken place, you had better come and see me occasionally at Slumberleigh.

I have missed your visits for the past week.

The fact is, Mrs.Alwynn has a way of interesting herself in all her friends.

She has a kind heart, and--you--understand--any little difference in their behavior might be observed by her, and might possibly--might possibly"-- Mr.Alwynn was at a loss for a word--"be, in short, commented on to others.