‘Oh!’

The lawyer drew a long breath.

’Perhaps it is just as well she has disappeared again.  I did not know that was the girl all the talk was about.  Well, are you not tired of this quiet life yet?’

’Oh no; I like it very much.  But when will you allow the girls to come down, Mrs. Fordyce?  I think it is too bad that they have never yet paid me a proper visit at Bourhill.’

’They are talking of London again—­wheedling their poor dear papa, as they do every May.  I think you must go with us again, my dear.’

‘Yes, I should like that,’ replied Gladys, with brightening face; and Mrs. Fordyce perceived that she had sustained a very severe disappointment, which had made her for the time being a trifle discontented with her own fair lot.

She took an early opportunity, when Gladys conducted her to the guest-chamber, to put another question to her.

‘Gladys, how long is it since George was here?’

’I have never seen him since that night in your house, when he didn’t come up to the drawing-room,’ answered Gladys calmly.

‘But he has written, I suppose?’

‘No; nor have I.’

‘My dear girl, this is very serious,’ said Mrs. Fordyce gravely.  ’What was the difference about?  You will tell me, my dear?  I have your best interests at heart, but I cannot help thinking it is rather soon to disagree.’

’I don’t think we disagreed, only I said I should ask whom I like to Bourhill.  Surely that was within my rights?’ said Gladys proudly.

’Oh yes, to a certain degree, but not when you harbour questionable characters—­yes, I repeat it, questionable characters, such as the girl who ran off this morning I hope you counted your spoons to-day, Gladys?’

Gladys could have laughed, only she was too miserable.

‘Oh, what absurd mistakes you make!’ was all she said.

’Not so very absurd, I think.  Well, as I said, I think George only showed that he had a proper regard for you and your peculiar position here.  We know the world, my love; you do not.  I think now, surely, you will allow us to be the judges of what is best for you?’

’I think he has behaved shamefully to me, not having come, or even written, for so long, and I don’t think I can forgive him.  Think, if he were to treat me so after I was his wife, how dreadful it would be.  It would certainly break my heart.’

’My dear, the cases are not parallel.  When you are his wife your interests will be identical, and there never will be any dispute.’

Gladys shook her head.  She did not feel at all sure of any such thing.

’I cannot help thinking, my dear child, that the sooner you are married the better it will be for you.  You are too much isolated here, and that Miss Peck, good little woman though she is, is only an old sheep.  I must for ever regret the circumstances which prevented Madame Bonnemain coming to Bourhill.’