"I hear you have begun business again," she said. "Well--I might answer you as Green, my old timekeeper, answered me to-day. I happened to say to him, 'We have begun once more, Green.' 'Yes, in a sort of way, sir,' said he, gruffly. I have begun 'in a sort of way,' Miss Dallory." "And what 'sort of way,' is it?" "In as cautious and quiet a way as it is well possible for a poor man to begin," answered Richard. "I have no capital, as you must be aware; or at least, as good as none." "I dare say you could get enough of that if you wanted it. Some of your friends have plenty of it, Mr. Richard." "I know that. Mrs. Gass quarrels with me every day, because I will not take hers, and run the risk of making ducks and drakes of it. No. I prefer to feel my way; to stand or fall alone, Miss Dallory." "I have heard Richard North called obstinate," remarked the young lady, looking into the air. "When he believes he is in the right. I don't think it is a bad quality, Miss Dallory. My dear sister Bessy used to say----" "Oh! Richard--what of Bessy?" interrupted Miss Dallory, all ceremony thrown to the winds. "I never was so painfully shocked in my life as when I opened Frank's letter telling me she was dead. What _could_ have killed her?" "It was the fever, you know," answered Richard, sadly. "I shall never forget what _I_ felt when I heard it. I was in Belgium." "It seemed very strange that she should die so quickly." "It seems strange to me still. I have not cared to talk about her since: she was my only sister and very dear to me. Rane says it was a most violent attack: and I suppose she succumbed to it quickly, without much struggle." "That poor little Cissy Ketler is gone, too." "Yes." "Is Ketler one of the few men who have gone back to work?" "Oh dear, no!" The rain had ceased: but they were walking on, unconsciously, under the umbrella. By-and-by the fact was discovered, and the umbrella put down. "Who's this?" exclaimed Richard. "Visitors for madam, I suppose." Richard alluded to the sound of carriage-wheels behind. He and Miss Dallory had certainly not walked as though they were winning a wager, but they were close to the house now; and reached its door as the carriage drew up. Richard stood in very amazement, when he saw its inmates--Arthur, thin and sallow: and Sir Nash Bohun. There was a hasty greeting, a welcome, and then they all entered together. Madam, Matilda, and Miss Adair were in the drawing-room. Arthur came in side by side with Miss Dallory; they were talking together, and a slight flush illumined his thin face. Ellen, feeling shy amongst them all, remained in the background: she would not press forward: but a general change of position brought her and Arthur close to each other; and she held out her hand timidly, with a rosy blush.