She was right; just then it stopped in front of a row of large well built houses and having paid her fare Helen ran up the steps and rang the bell. It was answered by a stout middle aged woman. In reply to Helen's enquiry she replied in hearty tones "Oh yes miss, Miss Lincarrol is in right enough, she's been expecting you all the morning almost. Mrs. Norton had hardly uttered her statement, when Gladys herself came flying downstairs and in a minute she had her arms round Helen's neck and was hugging and kissing her to death. "Oh Helen," she cried "how kind of you to come so soon, you dont know what a lot I have to tell you." "I am quite sure you have dear" answered Helen "I was delighted to be able to come with out any bother" "Did'nt Mr. Sheene mind?" enquired Gladys leading Helen up the richly carpeted staircase." Oh not at all answered Helen brightly he seemed quite pleased for me to have a holiday, and he gave me this" she added holding up a bright gold piece. At this juncture they arrived at Gladys's bedroom, and drawing back a red plush curtain they emerged into a dainty little bedroom furnished entirely in sea green and bamboo. "Oh! what a charming room" gasped Helen thinking of her own plain room at home compared to this perfect little paradise. "Yes it is rather pretty" replied Gladys indifferently. all my rooms are on this landing you know! "How many have you?" asked Helen in surprise. "My sitting room is opposite this, and there is a dear little conservatory opening out of it in which I keep all my pet plants" replied Gladys "I think that is quite enough for one girl dont you?" "Quite" responded Helen "but where does Mr. Palsey sleep if you don't mind me asking." "Oh James has his appartments on the floor above this" said Gladys "now do take off your hat, and come and chat in my cosy corner" and she pointed to the richly cushioned seat as she spoke. Helen lay back in the seat and putting her hands behind her head she gazed wistfully round the room. "Well Helen" laughed Gladys "are you longing to see my other rooms?" "Oh no" replied Helen sadly, "this is quite lovely enough thank you, but Gladys darling do pray tell me what your parents said in the letter." "Oh yes" said Gladys, and jumping up she opened a handsome little morocoo writing desk and took from it a sheet of writing paper closely written. "This is it" she said sadly "I'll read it to you Helen, it makes me so miserable." Helen listened attentively while Gladys read in a most plaintive voice the following letter: "Speerin House Endup Road, Norwich. Oct. 17th. MY DEAR GLADYS,