Two days passed, and then she was summoned to the drawing-room to meet Mr Maximilian Bray. In the interim she had twice approached the subject--the first time to be checked good-humouredly, the second time to be told that her conduct was bold and forward, words which effectually sealed her lips for the future; while it was with a feeling of hot indignation that she descended to the drawing-room, to find Mrs Marter laughing at some remark just made by the exquisite, who rose on Ella's entrance to salute her in a quiet, respectful, friendly way, that she told herself it would be folly to resent. Then, chattering quietly, more to Mrs Marter than herself, his behaviour was sufficient to make Mrs Marter at his departure praise him earnestly, but at the same time refuse to hear a word in return. What did it mean? Was Mrs Marter siding with him? What, then, should she do? It seemed nothing so long as such visits as those were paid. From twice in a week Max's visits grew to three, and soon to one a day; but always towards her there was a quiet gentlemanly reserve, and once, and once only, when they were left alone for a minute, did Max say words that gave her cause for thought. "Nice woman, Mrs Marter," said Max quietly, "only she keeps twitting me with my frequent visits. She will have they are for an end, while really, Miss Bedford, my sole end now is a little friendly feeling. O, here she comes back. Can't you give us a little music? I do find it so dull here in town!--Just asking Miss Bedford to give us a little music, Mrs Marter," said Max, raising his voice as that lady re-entered the room. "O, yes, of course," said Mrs Marter; and Ella was obliged to go to the piano. She could not help wondering at times whether Charley Vining had ever tried to find out her address, a strange thrill passing through her frame at the thought; but the next moment she had crushed that thought out, and was sternly occupied over some task in connection with her duties. At one time she thought of telling Mrs Brandon of Max's visits, but as they seemed to grow daily more and more addressed to the lady of the house, there seemed to be no necessity; for there were days when hardly half-a-dozen words passed between her and Max during a visit, and she had not worldly wisdom enough to see that Max Bray was awaiting the time when it would suit him best to make his spring. Volume 2, Chapter XX. A RIVAL ENCOUNTER. The day following his visit to Branksome-street, Charley made his way to Crescent Villas, and sent up his card to Mrs Marter. The footman returned at the end of a few minutes to say that Mrs Marter was not at home. Was Miss Bedford at home? Thomas did not know, but he would go and see; which he did, to return shaking his head. Charley said he would call again, which he did, with precisely the same result.