very fond of each other appeared in all their talk and behaviour; both worshipped the children, and, in spite of that, trained them with a considerable measure of good sense.  In the evenings Mr. Rymer sometimes read aloud, or he would talk instructively of the affairs of the day.  The more Miss Shepperson saw of her friends the more she liked them.  Never had she been the subject of so much kind attention, and in no company had she ever felt so happily at ease.

Time went on, and it was near midsummer.  Of late Mrs. Rymer had not been very well, and once or twice Miss Shepperson fancied that her eyes showed traces of tears; it was but natural that the guest, often preoccupied with the thought of the promised settlement, should feel a little uneasy.  On June 23 Mrs. Rymer chose a suitable moment, and with her most confidential air, invited Miss Shepperson to an intimate chat.

‘I want to explain to you,’ she said, rather cheerfully than otherwise, ’the exact state of our affairs.  I’m sure it will interest you.  We have become such good friends—­as I knew we should.  I shall be much easier in mind when you know exactly how we stand.’

Thereupon she spoke of a certain kinsman of her husband, an old and infirm man, whose decease was expected, if not from day to day, at all events from week to week.  The event would have great importance for them, as Mr. Rymer was entitled to the reversion of several thousands of pounds, held in use by his lingering relative.

‘Now let me ask you a question,’ pursued the lady in friendship’s undertone.  ’My husband is quite prepared to settle with you to-morrow.  He wishes to do so, for he feels that your patience has been most exemplary.  But, as we spoke of it last night, an idea came to me.  I can’t help thinking it was a happy idea, but I wish to know how it strikes you.  On receiving the sum due to you, you will no doubt place it in a bank, or in some way invest it.  Suppose, now, you leave the money in Mr. Rymer’s hands, receiving his acknowledgment, and allowing him to pay it, with four per cent, interest, when he enters into possession of his capital?  Mind, I only suggest this; not for a moment would I put pressure upon you.  If you have need of the money, it shall be paid at once. But it struck me that, knowing us so well now, you might even be glad of such an investment as this.  The event to which we are looking forward may happen very soon; but it may be delayed.  How would you like to leave this money, and the sums to which you will be entitled under our arrangements, from quarter to quarter, to increase at compound interest?  Let us make a little calculation—­’

Miss Shepperson listened nervously.  She was on the point of saying that, on the whole, she preferred immediate payment; but while she struggled with her moral weakness Mrs. Rymer, anxiously reading her face, struck another note.