*' I cannot show you Cliff Dene, for it lies
in such a hollow; but another day we'll go
there. It's rather gloomy, but a fine M
rambling place. Would you believe you are
two mites now from the sea ? "
10



" Quite, Mr. Bernard : I could even fancy
it more. Do not let us go farther from it,
though."

** You shall not : you are going home. Ex-
cuse me, Miss Dudleigh, but your habit is too
long: those yards upon yards of broadcloth
are quite unnecessary, and only in the way."

M But I cannot have it altered, because it is
not my own. It is Miss Sarona's habit ; and
she lent it me that I might not have to buy one."

'<Miss Sarona's! — Ah! she's taller than
you. Well, it does not signify, except that if
you did tumble sideways, it would get entan-
gled in your feet: but then, you're not to
tumble again, you know. Miss ^rona's habit t
m tell you. Miss De Berri, Miss Dudleigh
must be a very great &vorite with Miss Salome,
if die lent her uiat to wear."

" Of course she is, Mr. Bernard."

" Do you like her, Miss Dudleigh ? "

"Like her!— What a question! — She is
perfect"

" You know all about her, don't you ? " —
drawing close up, and speaking below his vmce.
** Not yet ; but I am to know : Dr. Sarona
has promised to tell me."

Bernard smiled stealthily, then grew grave
and sighed.
