They went home sadly with the lilacs, back to the Rue Saint-Jacques, walking very slowly, arm in arm.

When they reached the house where Hilda lodged, Bartley went across the court with her, and up the dark old stairs to the third landing; and there he had kissed her for the first time.

He had shut his eyes to give him the courage, he remembered, and she had trembled so-- Bartley started when Hilda rang the little bell beside her.

"Dear me, why did you do that?
I had quite forgotten--I was back there.

It was very jolly," he murmured lazily, as Marie came in to take away the coffee.
Hilda laughed and went over to the piano.