‘We thought at first,’ said Virginia, ’that when Alice had gone you might like to share my room; but then the distance from Great Portland Street would be a decided objection.  I might move, but we doubt whether that would be worth while.  It is so comfortable with Mrs. Conisbee, and for the short remaining time—­Christmas, I should think, would be a very good time for opening.  If it were possible to decide upon dear old Clevedon, of course we should prefer it; but perhaps Weston will offer more scope.  Alice will weigh all the arguments on the spot.  Don’t you envy her, Monica?  Think of being there in this summer weather!’

‘Why don’t you go as well?’ Monica asked.

’I?  And take lodgings, you mean?  We never thought of that.  But we still have to consider expenditure very seriously, you know.  If possible, I must find employment for the rest of the year.  Remember how very likely it is that Miss Nunn will have something to suggest for me.  And when I think it will be of so much practical use for me to see her frequently for a few weeks.  Already I have learnt so much from her and from Miss Barfoot.  Their conversation is so encouraging.  I feel that it is a training of the mind to be in contact with them.’

‘Yes, I quite share that view,’ said Alice, with tremulous earnestness.  ’Virginia can reap much profit from intercourse with them.  They have the new ideas in education, and it would be so good if our school began with the advantage of quite a modern system.’

Monica became silent.  When her sisters had talked in the same strain for a quarter of an hour, she said absently,—­

’I wrote to Miss Barfoot last night, so I suppose I shall be able to move to those lodgings next Sunday.’

It was eleven o’clock before they parted.  Having taken leave of her sisters near the station, Monica turned to walk quickly home.  She had gone about half the way, when her name was spoken just behind her, in Widdowson’s voice.  She stopped, and there stood the man, offering his hand.

‘Why are you here at this time?’ she asked in an unsteady voice.

‘Not by chance.  I had a hope that I might see you.’

He was gloomy, and looked at her searchingly.

‘I mustn’t wait to talk now, Mr. Widdowson.  It’s very late.’

‘Very late indeed.  It surprised me to see you.’

‘Surprised you?  Why should it?’

‘I mean that it seemed so very unlikely—­at this hour.’

‘Then how could you have hoped to see me?’

Monica walked on, with an air of displeasure, and Widdowson kept beside her, incessantly eyeing her countenance.

’No, I didn’t really think of seeing you, Miss Madden.  I wished to be near the place where you were, that was all.’

‘You saw me come out I dare say.’

‘No.’

’If you had done, you would have known that I came to meet two ladies, my sisters.  I walked with them to the station, and now I am going home.  You seem to think an explanation necessary—­’