And he noted with satisfaction the splendid furs, and handsome travelling bag, and all the paraphernalia which still clung to poor Leo and gave her the appearance of a princess. Mr. Jonas had smiled grimly when asked about this,--but he had given such a decided opinion, and that in so kind a tone, for he was pleased and touched--that the little girl had thankfully received his word as law, and her personal possessions were intact. In consequence, she had to apologise for the amount of her luggage. "The more the better, my dear," said the general, graciously,--and everyone within hearing distance was edified by his directions freely delivered anent portmanteaux and dress-baskets. If there were too many for the cart, some of the smaller things could be put on the carriage box. William could walk. They could take a few light articles inside. Leo felt again the old feeling of being treated as _company_, but it took off the edge of a trying moment, and she was glad of anything that did that. "Ahem, my dear!" The carriage door was shut, and the general opened his lips. "Yes, father?" "There were several kind friends looking on just now, whom I daresay you did not see. You did very well; there was no occasion for you to notice them. And in your place, I may add, I should not bother about seeing people--quite so, quite so--you were not thinking of such a thing, of course not,--you will just keep quiet, and let us say what has to be said. What I mean is," as he caught a bewildered look, "money matters are not in your line, and at such a time as this less than ever. Don't mention them. Don't know anything about them. _I_ will tell people all they need to know----" "But--but do they need to know at all?" "Certainly not," said General Boldero, promptly. No answer could have pleased him better. "They see you return, very properly, to the home of your childhood, where in future I shall provide for you," he gulped in his throat, and drew the rug further over his knees, but continued; "so that it is nobody's business how you are left by--by your husband." "Godfrey never knew," murmured she. "Ahem!" escaped the general. "Mr. Jonas is afraid he had some anxiety," continued Leonore, bravely; "but he had told some one only the day before--before he died, that he hoped things were going to pull round all right." "They all think that. But," proceeded her father, curbing the momentary snap, "we need not distress ourselves by entering into details about which I am as ignorant as you. I never thought a business man _could_--however, leave it. What we have to do is to bolster up his memory, to prevent nasty things being said of him--in short, to keep our neighbours in the dark as to the real state of affairs, for if they knew, they would certainly think it disgraceful." The word was out and he felt the better for it. Leonore started, and held her breath.