He rose as he spoke and bade Miss Lillycrop good-evening. That lady expressed an earnest hope that he would come to see her frequently, and he promised to do so as often as he could find time. He also bade May good-evening because she was to spend the night with her cousin, but May parted from him with the same touch of reserve that marked their meeting. He resented this by drawing himself up and turning away somewhat coldly. "Now, Phil," he said, almost sternly, on reaching the street, "here's a letter to Sir James Clubley which I want to read to you.--Listen." By the light of a lamp he read:-- "DEAR SIR,--I appreciate your kindness in offering me the situation mentioned in your letter of the 4th, and especially your remarks in reference to my late father, who was indeed worthy of esteem. I shall have pleasure in calling on you on hearing that you are satisfied with the testimonials herewith enclosed.--I am, etcetera." "Now, Phil, will that do?" "Do? of course it will. Nothing could be better. Only--" "Well, what?" "Don't you think that you might call without waiting to hear his opinion of your testimonials?" "No, Phil, I don't," replied the other in a slightly petulant tone; "I don't feel quite sure of the spirit in which he referred to my dear father. Of course it was kind and all that, but it was slightly patronising, and my father was an infinitely superior man to himself." "Well, I don't know," said Phil; "if you're going to accept a favour of him you had better try to feel and act in a friendly way, but of course it would never do to encourage him in pride." "Well then, I'll send it," said Aspel, closing the letter; "do you know where I can post it?" "Not I. Never was here before. I've only a vague idea of how I got here, and mustn't go far with you lest I lose myself." At that moment Miss Lillycrop's door opened and little Tottie issued forth. "Ah! she will help us.--D'you know where the Post-Office is, Tottie?" "Yes, sir, it's at the corner of the street, Miss Lillycrop says." "Which direction?" "That one, I think." "Here, I'm going the other way: will you post this letter for me?" "Yes, sir," said Tottie. "That's a good girl; here's a penny for you." "Please, sir, that's not a penny," said the child, holding out the half-crown which Aspel had put in her hand. "Never mind; keep it." Tottie stood bereft of speech at the youth's munificence, as he turned away from her with a laugh.