“I knew the obstinate little thing would go off by herself, after all,” said Lilian, rather glad of her sister-in-law’s resolution. The elder lady was completely taken by surprise. “What about your luggage? You can’t go away without any,” she said. “I packed it all last night, and ordered a cab from Beckham yesterday--at least, it was I who sent the order. The cab is at the door now.” “But you can’t go off in that way; people would think it so strange! Wait until after dinner, and I will take you.” “Thank you. William is going to drive me. The dog-cart will be round in a minute.” This diverted Lady Braithwaite’s thoughts. “That horrid dog-cart! You are going to let him take you in that! You will certainly be thrown out and killed!” “I am not afraid,” said Annie, smiling; and, hearing William’s voice calling her from the hall, she bade them both good-bye and left the room, they following her to the front door. Her manner was very quiet and composed; but Lilian was not easily deceived. She turned to her mother as the dog-cart disappeared down the drive. “She does not mean to come back, mamma,” she said, in a low voice. And one of the servants standing at the back overheard and nodded to another, whispering: “I told you so.” William was in high spirits at driving his dear Annie again; but she was very silent, or talked without her usual brightness. He said nothing; but he thought to himself, “If she is so sorry to go away, she will be back all the sooner,” and, when, at the station, he had taken her ticket--first-class, in spite of her directions--and found her a comfortable carriage, he got in and flung his arms around her affectionately, and told her he should count the days till she came back. Then, to his sudden dismay, she burst into tears. The boy’s face fell. “Annie, what is the matter?” Then, in a mysterious voice, “You haven’t cut away from Harry, have you?” Annie nodded. “Don’t tell any one at the Grange yet, William, there’s a dear, good old boy. I will write and explain. But I’m glad you know. I couldn’t bear it any longer. It was ruining both our lives; we never could have agreed, and we shall both be happier apart.” “But where are you going? What are you going to do? You are not going to be a governess again, are you?” “I don’t know. I am not sure of anything yet, only of this--that I shall be all right, and nobody need be anxious about me.” “But I shall be. Oh, Annie, don’t go! Let me go with you and see you safely to your aunt’s. I have some money with me--George gave me my allowance only this morning. Do let me go!” “No, no; you must not think of such a thing,” said Annie, almost laughing. “And you were going to leave me just like the rest, without a word about your not coming back! Oh, Annie, when we’ve been such chums!” The boy’s reproachful face overcame Annie.