"Has Nesta come back? We should have plenty of time, if you light that pretty lamp and put it near me, to try the effect of the new blouse. I am so anxious to see if it will fit." "I have just got an account of Nesta; she is all right, mother; she will be back to-morrow," said Marcia. "So I am going to stay with you; and, mother, may I introduce you to my friend, Angela St Just? Angela, this way, please. Mother, this is Angela, my great friend." Mrs Aldworth had been on the eve of crying; on the eve of a fit of nervous anxiety with regard to Nesta; but the appearance of Angela seemed to swallow up every other thought. She flushed, then turned pale, then held out her hand. "I am glad to see you," she said. Angela dropped into a chair. "Just run away, Marcia," she said. "Leave me with Mrs Aldworth. Oh, Mrs Aldworth, I'm so glad Marcia let me come in. I have been longing to come to you--often and often. I have been so sorry for you; I have been thinking what a weary time you must have; I hope you will let me come often as long as I am near; I should like it so much." The sweet eyes looked down into the faded face of the elder woman. They seemed somehow to have a magical power to arrest the finger of time, to erase the wrinkles, to smooth out some of the constant pain. Mrs Aldworth smiled quite gladly. "How nice you are," she said, "and not a bit--not a bit stuck-up. I am so glad to make your acquaintance. Sit there and talk to me." Angela took a chair and she did talk--all about nothings, _perhaps_ about nothings; but she still talked and Mrs Aldworth listened. CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR. AN UNEASY CONSCIENCE. Nesta's first day at Scarborough had been full of intense enjoyment. She had managed her escapade with great cleverness. The Griffiths were quite sure that she was going away with the consent of her parents. Mr Griffiths was kind, and pleased to have her; Mrs Griffiths was motherly; Flossie was all delight. First had come the journey; what a delicious sensation of excitement had she felt whenever the train stopped; with what more than a delicious sensation of importance she had owned to a thrill through her being at the thought that the others were anxious about her. That her own people would be trying to get her back as soon as possible but added to the sense of enjoyment. The day was a brilliant one; the sea breezes were exhilarating, and Nesta's conscience did not awaken. She enjoyed the lodgings, and the room she was to share with Flossie, and the shrimps for tea, and the wading when the tide was down. She enjoyed listening to the band; in short, she enjoyed everything. Her constant smiles were always wreathing her lips; Mr and Mrs Griffiths thought her quite a delightful girl.