XX.

One morning after breakfast Harold said as he rose from table, 'You

must be very lonely here. Don't you think you would like some one to

keep you company? Mrs. Fargus is in London; we might ask her, she'd be

glad to come; you used to like her.'

'That's a long while ago. I don't think she'd amuse me now.'

'She'd talk about art, about things that interest you. I'm away all

day, and when I come home in the evening I'm tired. I'm no society for

you, I know that.'

'No, Harold, I assure you I'm all right; don't worry about me. I

shouldn't care to have Mrs. Fargus here. If I did I'd say so. I know

that you're anxious to please me. I like you better than any one

else.'

'But I don't understand you, Mildred. We never did understand each

other. Our tastes are so different,' he added hastily, lest his words

might be construed into a reproach.

'Oh yes, we understand each other very well. I used to think we

didn't.... I don't think there's anything in me that any one could not

understand. I am afraid I'm a very ordinary person.'

'But I can see that you're bored. I don't mean that you show it. But

it would be impossible otherwise, all alone in this house all day by

yourself. You used to read a great deal. You never read now. Are there

any books I can bring you from London? Do you want any paints,

canvases? You haven't touched your paints since you've been back. You

might have your drawing master here, you might go out painting with

him. This is just the time of year.'

'I've given up painting. No, Harold, thank you all the same. I know

I'm dull, cheerless; you mustn't mind me, it is only a fit of the

blues; it will wear off. One of these days I shall be all right.'

'But do you mind my asking people to the house?'

'Not if it pleases you. But don't do so for me.'

Harold looked at his watch. 'I must say good-bye now. I've only just

time to catch the train.'

That same evening brother and sister sat together in the library;

neither had spoken for some time, and, coming at the end of a long

silence, Mildred's voice sounded clear and distinct.

'Alfred Stanby called here to-day.'

'I wonder he did not call before.' There was a note of surprise in his

voice which did not quite correspond with his words.

'Did he stay long?'

'He stayed for tea.'

'Did you find him changed? It must be five years since you met.'

'He has grown stouter.'

'What did he talk about?'

'Ordinary things. He was very formal.'

'He was very much cut up when you broke off your engagement.'

'You never approved of it.'