"But music is too sacred a subject with me to be bartered for sordid money," said Gentian growing grave once more. "Oh, I know I must have money to live. Waddy has saved, and can keep herself. I must learn to do the same. There was £500 in the bank after mother left me—her savings—the only thing she could leave me. I am getting through the first hundred now. You see, it is necessary for me to start working at once." "And where do you mean to live?" asked Mrs. Wharnecliffe, humouring her. "Not in London; I want to live away from houses and people—and yet I must be in touch with them. And I want to see and know England from end to end, as I know Italy." "Will you come and stay with me till your plans are settled? I live in the country—in such a pretty part, and we are only an hour from town—very little more." Gentian did not answer for a moment, then she said, "Do you live with Mr. Holt? Are you a relation of his?" "Oh dear no, we are like brother and sister, we have known each other all our lives; but I live with my husband, who is a busy Member of Parliament. And we are hardly ever in town; we both prefer the country." "Thank you very much. I will talk to Waddy about it. I think I should like to stay with you, if you will promise not to try to manage me—I think we had better go back to the others. I do not know what plots they may be hatching." She stepped lightly across the room and opened the door. Mrs. Wharnecliffe followed her, wondering at the impulse that had made her offer this strange girl a temporary home. Miss Ward and Thorold were still talking. The latter got up from his chair with rather a satisfied smile upon his face. Mrs. Wharnecliffe at once repeated her invitation, including Miss Ward, but that good lady shook her head. "I should like to see a married sister of mine in Wiltshire. If you could have Gentian for a week or so, I should be very glad." Gentian laughed gleefully, and her laughter was that of a happy irresponsible child. "And that means, Waddy, that you hope a week or so in a grave, well-ordered, conventional English house, with some kind and sound common-sense drilled into me every day, will send me back to you in an amenable frame of mind. But you are very rash in resigning your precious charge into the hands of utter strangers. Why do you believe in them more than you believe in me?" "I suppose," said Thorold dryly, "it is our grey hairs. I have a good many. It's an extraordinary thing, but when you get a few years older, you will actually place more reliance in the wisdom of the experienced than in the very young." Gentian looked at him for the first time with interest. "I should like to have a talk with you," she said; "I have had one with your friend, and Waddy has had her innings with you. It is my turn now." Thorold turned to Mrs. Wharnecliffe. "Don't you think we might go out to lunch somewhere? then we could become further acquainted with Miss Brendon."