’I had such a busy morning down town; and oh, I have a great deal to tell you, only you must promise to be sympathetic, because I have had a great deal to bear to-day, and have almost quarrelled with your aunt and the girls.’

‘Yes?’ he said, with all the fine indifference he could command.  ’And what was it all about?’

He knew it must come sooner or later, and braced himself up to carry matters through with as high a hand as possible.

’About that poor girl of whom I told you, Lizzie Hepburn.  She has come back, looking so very ill and unhappy, and of course I asked her down to Bourhill, and your aunt and cousins are so vexed about it, I am quite puzzled.  It is so unlike them to blame one for wishing to be kind.  Please, can you explain it?’

She raised her eyes to his face with something of the old child-like wistfulness in their depths, and it showed George Fordyce to be a very clever man indeed that he was able to meet that clear gaze without flinching.

’Well, you see, dear, I think it is regard for you which made Aunt Isabel appear a little harsh.  She knows the world, and you do not, and, you know, a young and lovely girl, living without natural protectors, as you are, cannot be too careful.’

‘Oh, that is just how they talk,’ she cried petulantly, ’but it does not convey any meaning to me.  Why should I not be kind to this poor girl?  She can’t eat me, or hurt me in the smallest degree.  You must make it a great deal plainer to me before I see the smallest particle of reason in it.’

Here was a dilemma!  The very irony of fate could not have devised a more trying and awkward position for any man.  To say he felt himself on the brink of a volcano conveys but a faint idea of his peculiar state of mind.

’My own darling, it is extremely difficult to make it any clearer without giving offence, but I think you ought to have some idea of what is fitting.  Can you not believe that we, who love you so dearly, would advise you to do nothing but what is right and best for you?’

This admirable plea, so earnestly and persuasively uttered, somewhat touched Gladys, though her face still wore a perplexed and even troubled look.

’Well, but how can it do me any harm to have these girls at Bourhill?  Is it because they are poor that I must not have them?’

’Well, not exactly; though, of course, it is not customary for young ladies like you to invite such people to be your guests just in the same way as you would invite Clara or Mina; and I question very much, dear, if it is any real kindness to them, it is so apt to make them discontented with their own sphere.’

This was another clever stroke, this view of the case not having been as yet presented to Gladys.  Hitherto the talk had all been of the influence such companionship was likely to have on her, and the new phase of the situation made her more thoughtful still.