"I don't think we need fear that Leo will be in any hurry to marry again; she was very fond of poor Godfrey----" "Then she must keep up appearances for his sake," struck in her father eagerly. "Tell her it's for _his_ sake, mind; and see that she does it. As for that nonsense of Sybil's----" and he enlarged till he had worn out the subject. When he left the room, the girls looked at each other. "He doesn't know Leo," said Maud at last. She was always the last to speak, it was the easiest way; Syb could rattle, and sometimes rattle did well enough with a parent who as has been said could be managed when not openly contradicted, but she preferred silence and apparent submission. She could, however, emit a sentiment when alone with her sisters. "He won't find it as easy as he thinks to get Leo to pretend. She was always a truthful little thing." "At the same time, it is her duty to obey our father's wishes," quoth Miss Boldero gently. "And one cannot wonder that he should dislike to have her unfortunate circumstances known." "Meaning that she is as poor as a rat, Madam Grandiloquence. Ah, well, _I_ don't mind. Didn't I say it would be fun to take in everybody?--and as _I_ am not particularly truthful," laughed Sybil, "I'll play any part the old gentleman chooses, with all the pleasure in life. Maud, if I catch you tripping, I'll tread on your toes till you squeak. It is understood that our poor dear bereaved one--eh, Sue? that's the style, isn't it?--that she only comes to us because she needs the paternal advice for her oceans of money, and the paternal arm to prevent its being grabbed by needy adventurers. Again I say, what fun!" But she had not grasped, nor had any of them, what was in General Boldero's mind. He rather overdid his part presently on the station platform. He had elected to go alone, and have out the big carriage. He had given orders loudly for it and the luggage cart,--and so entirely was he engrossed in his own view of the subject, that the sight of a pale little face, with heavy eyes, and quivering lips, irritated him. "They'll see through her like a shot," he muttered to himself. "Why on earth need she--by George! I had forgotten though----" for he had actually forgotten that only a bare three weeks had elapsed since Godfrey's death. Instantly his countenance changed. A mournful air was _de rigueur_, he must be tenderly and sympathetically sad, while yet respectful. He was aware of having been a little too talkative before, and of having given brisk and cheerful greetings to acquaintances whom he had informed of his errand. Hang it all, he wished he had thought of that sooner; and he now bent over the little black-gloved hand with his best air, hoping that he was watched. If he had been accused of any lack of feeling--he patted the hand, and tucked it within his arm.