‘But married woman are not idle,’ protested Monica earnestly.

‘Not all of them.  Some cook and rock cradles.’

Again Miss Nunn’s mood changed.  She laughed the subject away, and abruptly began to talk of old days down in Somerset, of rambles about Cheddar Cliffs, or at Glastonbury, or on the Quantocks.  Monica, however, could not listen, and with difficulty commanded her face to a pleasant smile.

‘Will you come and see Miss Barfoot?’ Rhoda asked, when it had become clear to her that the girl would gladly get away.  ’I am only her subordinate, but I know she will wish to be of all the use to you she can.’

Monica expressed her thanks, and promised to act as soon as possible on any invitation that was sent her.  She took leave just as the servant announced another caller.

CHAPTER V

THE CASUAL ACQUAINTANCE

At that corner of Battersea Park which is near Albert Bridge there has lain for more than twenty years a curious collection of architectural fragments, chiefly dismembered columns, spread in order upon the ground, and looking like portions of a razed temple.  It is the colonnade of old Burlington House, conveyed hither from Piccadilly who knows why, and likely to rest here, the sporting ground for adventurous infants, until its origin is lost in the abyss of time.

It was at this spot that Monica had agreed to meet with her casual acquaintance, Edmund Widdowson, and there, from a distance, she saw his lank, upright, well-dressed figure moving backwards and forwards upon the grass.  Even at the last moment Monica doubted whether to approach.  Emotional interest in him she had none, and the knowledge of life she had gained in London assured her that in thus encouraging a perfect stranger she was doing a very hazardous thing.  But the evening must somehow be spent, and is she went off in another direction it would only be to wander about with an adventurous mind; for her conversation with Miss Nunn had had precisely the opposite effect of that which Rhoda doubtless intended; she felt something of the recklessness which formerly excited her wonder when she remarked it in the other shop-girls.  She could no longer be without a male companion, and as she had given her promise to this man—­

He had seen her, and was coming forward.  Today he carried a walking-stick, and wore gloves; otherwise his appearance was the same as at Richmond.  At the distance of a few yards he raised his hat, not very gracefully.  Monica did not offer her hand, nor did Widdowson seem to expect it.  But he gave proof of an intense pleasure in the meeting; his sallow cheeks grew warm, and in the many wrinkles about his eyes played a singular smile, good-natured but anxious, apprehensive.

‘I am so glad you were able to come,’ he said in a low voice, bending towards her.

‘It has been even finer than last Sunday,’ was Monica’s rather vague reply, as she glanced at some people who were passing.