"Oh, thank you very much." Then he suddenly shook hands, gave the young lady one glance, and without another word took his departure. Presently the door below was heard to slam. Verona went to the balcony, and gazed after the retreating figure. He walked rapidly for an invalid--his quick footfall had an impatient ring--and as he passed out of sight she heaved a little sigh. "My dear child! what is the meaning of this?" enquired her aunt, placing two hands heavily on her shoulders, "gazing after a young man, and sighing like--I don't know what!" "I am only looking after him--to see the last of an old love affair." "What a funny girl you are!" "That was what Mrs. Chandos used to say." "Pray, don't mention that odious woman. And Brian--what would he say?" "I adore Brian; I would not marry anyone else for the whole world, but really you must allow me to be a little sorry for the--other young man!" "Because you will not be his wife!" exclaimed Lady Ida, with dancing eyes. "What a pretty, conceited niece!" and she kissed her with effusion. * * * * * Dominga and Pussy are married; so also, to the surprise of her friends, is Lizzie Trotter, and there are some changes at Manora. For instance, Mr. Lepell is at home, and Mr. Watkin officiates as a somewhat pompous regent, with Mrs. Watkin as his insufferable consort. The Chandos bungalow still stands empty, and the squirrels share the verandah with the sparrows and the crows. Unmindful of the drowsy Chokedar, they race along the flags or execute gymnastic feats in the lattice work with many a "Chir--ip--pip--pip--pip." Pretty little creatures, with sleek bodies and bushy barred tails. One of the squirrels has a bit of faded ribbon round his neck--he is very tame. No, Johnny has not forgotten! at a sudden footfall, he will start and listen. When the house is open, he scours through all the rooms; in a certain window he is often to be seen for hours watching and waiting. Alas, faithful little heart! your hopes are never to be realised. Other steps and other voices may come and go within the Chandos bungalow--but Verona will never return. THE END. * * * * * _Printed at The Chapel River Press, Kingston, Surrey._ [Transcriber's Note: Inconsistent hyphenation left as printed.] * * * * * UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME Madame Albanesi Drusilla's Point of View Marian Sax A Question of Quality The Strongest of all Things A Young Man from the Country Alice and Claude Askew Destiny M. E. Braddon The White House During Her Majesty's Pleasure