“Very well, I shall be much pleased to see you to-morrow, if that will suit you; if not, on the following day. You know the hotel I’m stopping at?” “Yes. If I can manage to see you to-morrow, I will most certainly do so, or the day after.” “Very good――I am at your service.” He now drew close to the vehicle, and shook its inmate warmly by the hand. Mrs. Bristow had taken the precaution to wear a thick veil, which she wore down, so that the injuries done to her face were not discernible. “I am pleased to have met you,” observed Mr. Chipp; “and, believe me, I hope and trust a more happy future is in store for you.” He raised his hat to both females, and went on his course. Bessie Dalton jumped into the fly, and the driver pushed forward in the direction of Stanningley. Bessie chatted merrily during the greater part of the journey, but her companion remained sad and thoughtful. Upon the travellers arriving at their destination, Bessie conducted her companion to a small, mean-looking cottage, in the rear of which was a large and well-cultivated garden. The place was primitive enough in appearance. Bessie Dalton unfastened the front door, which was opened with a small latch, and entered the parlour. An exclamation of surprise, which was not unmixed with pleasure, proceeded from its solitary occupant. “Why, Bessie, lass, who ever thought of seeing you?” cried a well-known voice. “My dear aunt,” said Bessie in reply. “I have brought with me a very near and dear friend of mine, Mrs. Bristow, of whom you have often heard me speak.” “You are welcome,” observed the old lady, addressing herself to her visitor. “I am much pleased to make your acquaintance. My niece has made me familiar with your name. Sit down.” The speaker handed a chair as she made this last observation. The three women were very soon on the best of terms, and an animated conversation was kept up for the best part of the evening. A frugal supper was served by the hostess, and Bessie Dalton and Mrs. Bristow shared the only spare bed in the establishment. They had, however, but a short period of rest that night, both being in too great a state of excitement to make sure of unbroken slumber. They rose early, and having dressed, bethought them of what to do. “I’ve thought over and over again the best course for you to adopt,” said Bessie, who had already been tacitly acknowledged to be commander-in-chief; “and the more I consider, the more I feel convinced that my first idea is the best.” “And what might that be?” inquired her companion. “You will become a fine lady――that’s what you are destined to be.” Mrs. Bristow laughed at the naive manner of the speaker. “Ah, you may laugh; but I tell you that’s what will happen. I’ve laid it all down as nicely as possible. Listen. There is no place in England, so I’ve been told, equal to London for concealment. You must take up your abode there, change your name, and no one will suspect that you are the wife of a poor mechanic.”