“Dear Mr. Hilliard,” wrote the girl, “I have just heard from Eve that she is to be married to Mr. Narramore in a week’s time.  She says you don’t know about it; but I think you ought to know.  I haven’t been able to make anything of her two last letters, but she has written plainly at last.  Perhaps she means me to tell you.  Will you let me have a line?  I should like to know whether you care much, and I do so hope you don’t!  I felt sure it would come to this, and if you’ll believe me, it’s just as well.  I haven’t answered her letter, and I don’t know whether I shall.  I might say disagreeable things.  Everything is the same with me and always will be, I suppose.”  In conclusion, she was his sincerely.  A postscript remarked:  “They tell me I play better.  I’ve been practising a great deal, just to kill the time.”

“Dear Miss Ringrose,” he responded, “I am very glad to know that Eve is to be comfortably settled for life.  By all means answer her letter, and by all means keep from saying disagreeable things.  It is never wise to quarrel with prosperous friends, and why should you?  With every good wish——­” he remained sincerely hers.

CHAPTER XXVII

When Hilliard and his friend again shook hands it was the autumn of another year.  Not even by chance had they encountered in the interval and no written message had passed between them.  Their meeting was at a house newly acquired by the younger of the Birching brothers, who, being about to marry, summoned his bachelor familiars to smoke their pipes in the suburban abode while yet his rule there was undisputed.  With Narramore he had of late resumed the friendship interrupted by Miss Birching’s displeasure, for that somewhat imperious young lady, now the wife of an elderly ironmaster, moved in other circles; and Hilliard’s professional value, which was beginning to be recognised by the Birchings otherwise than in the way of compliment, had overcome the restraints at first imposed by his dubious social standing.

They met genially, without a hint of estrangement.

“Your wife well?” Hilliard took an opportunity of asking apart.

“Thanks, she’s getting all right again.  At Llandudno just now.  Glad to see that you’re looking so uncommonly fit.”

Hilliard had undoubtedly improved in personal appearance.  He grew a beard, which added to his seeming age, but suited with his features; his carriage was more upright than of old.

A week or two after this, Narramore sent a friendly note—­

“Shall I see you at Birching’s on Sunday?  My wife will be there, to meet Miss Marks and some other people.  Come if you can, old fellow.  I should take it as a great kindness.”

And Hilliard went.  In the hall he was confronted by Narramore, who shook hands with him rather effusively, and said a few words in an undertone.

“She’s out in the garden.  Will be delighted to see you.  Awfully good of you, old boy!  Had to come sooner or later, you know.”