Lilias did not make any remark. She did not think it necessary to tell how much she had seen of Lewis, and, to tell the truth, she did not think it certain that an opportunity of saying good-bye to him personally would not be afforded to her. But, as a matter-of-fact, there was no further meeting between the two, and Lilias left Murkley with a little surprise, and not without a little pique, that he should have made no attempt to take his leave of her. She had various agitating scenes with Katie to make up for it, and on the other hand an anxious visit from Mrs. Stormont, full of excitement and indignation. "What can take Margaret away at this moment? it is just extraordinary," that lady said, in the stress of her disappointment. "For I cannot suppose, Jean, my dear, that you have anything to do with it. Dear me, can she not let well alone? Where could you be better than at Murkley?" "We are both fond of our own house," Jean said, with gentle self-assertion. "Bless me!" cried Mrs. Stormont, "are you not just the same as in your own house? I am sure, though it belongs to Lilias, that Margaret is mistress and more." "--And Lilias is fain, fain to get to Gowanbrae. She was always fond of the place--and we think her looking white, and that a change will do her good." "Oh! I am very well aware Margaret will never want for reasons for what she does," cried the indignant mother. Meanwhile Katie was sobbing on Lilias' shoulder. "He says he will go away. He says he cannot face it, his mother will just drive him out of his senses; and what is to become of me with nobody to speak to?" Katie cried. "Oh! Katie, cannot you just wait awhile?--you are younger than I am," said Lilias, in desperation. "And when I think that we might just have been going on as happy as ever, if it had not been you forsaking us!" cried Katie.