The captain’s reply was inaudible as he turned and bore off Miss Hartley. The young man stood for some time watching them, and, as Joan and her burly companion disappeared round the corner, shook his head and set off home. “He’ll sober down as he gets older,” said the captain, after they had proceeded some way in silence. “I’m glad I met you. Your father told me you were going to London, and I was thinking we might go up together. It’s odd we should both be going. Quite a coincidence.” “In more ways than one,” said Joan. “Father told me you had arranged it together. I quite know why I am going.” The captain coughed. “I know why you are going, too,” said Joan. The captain coughed again, and muttered something about “children” and “business.” “And if I’m going to-morrow I had better get back and pack,” continued the girl. “Plenty of time in the morning,” said the captain. “It’ll make the time pass. It’s a mistake to stow your things away too soon—a great mistake.” “I would sooner do it, though,” said Joan, pausing. “You come along to Tranquil Vale,” said Captain Trimblett, with forced joviality. “Never mind about your packing. Stay to supper, and I’ll see you home afterward.” Miss Hartley eyed him thoughtfully. “Why?” she inquired. “Pleasure of your company,” said the captain. “Why?” said Miss Hartley again. The captain eyed her thoughtfully in his turn. “I—I haven’t told ’em I’m going yet,” he said, slowly. “It’ll be a little surprise to them, perhaps. Miss Willett will be there. She’s a silly thing. She and Peter might make a duet about it. If you are there——” “I’ll take care of you,” said Joan, with a benevolent smile. “You’ll be safe with me. What a pity you didn’t bring your little troubles to me at first!” The captain turned a lurid eye upon her, and then, realizing that silence was more dignified and certainly safer than speech, said nothing. He walked on with head erect and turned a deaf ear to the faint sounds which Miss Hartley was endeavouring to convert into coughs. Mrs. Chinnery, who was sitting alone in the front room, rose and greeted her with some warmth as she entered, and, the usual reproachful question put and answered as to the length of time since her last visit, took her hat from her and went upstairs with it. An arch smile from Miss Hartley during her absence was met by the ungrateful captain with a stony stare. “I came to bid you good-by,” said Joan, as Mrs. Chinnery returned. “I am off to London to-morrow.” “London!” said Mrs. Chinnery. “I am going to stay with an uncle,” replied Joan. “Quite a coincidence, isn’t it?” said the captain, averting his gaze from the smiling face of Miss Hartley, and trying to keep his voice level. “Coincidence!” said Mrs. Chinnery, staring at him. “I’ve got to go, too,” said the captain, with what he fondly imagined was a casual smile. “Got to run up and see my boys and girls. Just a flying visit there and back. So we are going together.”