'True; and, of course, interest can do a great deal. I must speak to Charrington, and see what is to be done in the future. Perhaps you know that Audrey has a little money of her own?' 'I am sorry to hear it.' 'Their grandfather left them each five thousand pounds--as Audrey is of age, she is, of course, her own mistress. It was my intention to give her a couple of thousands on her marriage--Geraldine had it--anything else will only come to them on my death.' 'I wish you had not told me all this.' Dr. Ross smiled. 'You are young, Blake,' he said, in his old friendly manner, 'or you would not be so romantic as to wish Audrey were penniless. You will find a few thousands very serviceable by and by, when, in the course of time, a house falls vacant. I am speaking of the future, mind--for I do not mean you to have Audrey for at least a couple of years; we are in no hurry to lose her, and you must make your way a little first. Now I think we have talked enough for the present. I will just have a word with Audrey, and send her to you.' Then he held out his hand, and Cyril grasped it with a word or two of gratitude. Meanwhile Audrey, seated close to her mother on the drawing-room couch, was pouring out the whole story. She told it very comfortably, with her face resting against her mother's shoulder, and only interrupted by a tearful inquiry at intervals. 'Oh, Audrey! Oh, my darling child!' exclaimed Mrs. Ross, in a sighing sort of voice, when the girl had finished her recital. 'Are you sorry, mother? Why do you speak in that tone? You know you have always liked Cyril.' 'Yes, my dear,' but here Mrs. Ross sighed again; 'how can one help liking him, when he is so lovable? But, Audrey, what will your sister say--and Percival?' 'Poor dear mother! So that was the reason of that dolorous voice? Well, do you know,' with an engaging air of frankness, 'I am afraid we shall have a bad time with Gage; she will want me put in a strait-waistcoat and fed on a cooling diet of bread and water. Father will have to assure her that there is no insanity in the family; and as to Percival--oh, Percival's face, when he hears the news, will be a joke!' 'I must say I don't see the joke, Audrey. I am really afraid they will both be dreadfully shocked. You must tell them yourself. I would not take the news to Hillside for the world--and just now, too, when dear Geraldine ought to be spared all agitation.' Audrey did not dare laugh; her mother was far too much in earnest. 'You must go yourself, Audrey,' she repeated; 'and I hope you will be very, very careful.' 'Don't you think it would be better to write, mother? I am so sure that Gage will disapprove and say cutting things--and of course it will not be pleasant. If I were to write her a sisterly little note, just telling her the news, and saying I would go to her to-morrow?' And, after a good deal of consideration, Mrs. Ross was brought to own that this plan would be the best.