Charley Palliser gallantly offered to see us home. I said no; as if we were not old enough to go by ourselves; but he would come with us. As we went along Ann began talking of the party, criticizing the dresses, and so on. Charley seemed to be unusually silent. "Was not mine a grand fortune?" she presently said with a laugh, as we crossed the Place Ronde. "Stunning," said he. "As if there could be anything in it, you know! Does the man think we believe him, I wonder?" "Oh, these conjurers like to fancy they impose on us," remarked Charley, shaking hands as we halted before the house of Madame Sauvage. And I have had a wretched night, for somehow the thing has frightened me. I never was superstitious; never; and I'm sure I never believed in conjurers, as Charles had it. If I should come across Signor Talcke again while he stays here, I would ask him---- Here comes Nancy! and Flore behind her with the marketings. I'll put up my diary. * * * * * "I've bought such a lovely capon," began Nancy, as Lavinia went into the kitchen. "Show it to madame, Flore." It was one that even Lavinia could praise; they both understood poultry. "It really is a beauty," said Lavinia. "And did you remember the salsifis? And, Ann, where have you left your husband?" "Oh, we met old Mr. Griffin, and Edwin has gone up to Drecques with him. My opinion is, Lavinia, that that poor old Griffin dare not go about far by himself since his attack. He had to see his landlord at Drecques to-day, and he asked Edwin to accompany him. They went by the eleven-o'clock train." Lavinia felt it a relief. Even that little absence, part of a day, she felt thankful for, so much had she grown to dislike the presence in the house of Edwin Fennel. "Did you tell your husband about your 'fortune' Nancy?" "No; I was too sleepy last night to talk, and I was late in getting up this morning. I'm not sure that I shall tell him," added Mrs. Fennel thoughtfully; "he might be angry with me for having had it done." "That is more than likely," replied Lavinia. Late in the afternoon, as they were sitting together in the salon, they saw the postman come marching up the yard. He brought two letters--one for Miss Preen, the other for her sister. "It is the remittance from William Selby," said Lavinia as she opened hers. "He has sent it a day or two earlier than usual; it is not really due until Monday or Tuesday." Seventeen pounds ten shillings each. Nancy, in a hasty sort of manner, put her cheque into the hands of Lavinia, almost as if she feared it would burn her own fingers. "You had better take it from me whilst you can," she said in low tones. "Yes; for I must have it, Ann," was the answer. "We are in debt--as you may readily conceive--with only half the usual amount to spend last quarter."