In spite of the lateness of the season, the weather was still fine, and the artist took the opportunity of the pale sunshine to sketch a great deal of the marsh scenery.

Lucy attended him as a rule when he went abroad, and sometimes Mrs.Jasher, voluble and merry, would come along with them to play the part of chaperon.

But the girl noticed that Mrs.Jasher's merriment was forced at times, and in the searching morning light she appeared to be quite old.

Wrinkles showed themselves on her plump face and weary lines appeared round her mouth.

Also, she was absent-minded while the lovers chattered, and, when spoken to, would return to the present moment with a start.