Mrs. Fordyce looked at Gladys in a kind of wonder. Her candour and her justness were as conspicuous as her decision of character. It evidently cost her pride no effort to admit that she had made a mistake, though the admission was proof of the correct prophecy made by Mrs. Fordyce when the hot words had passed between them concerning Liz at Bellairs Crescent. Mrs. Fordyce, however, was generous enough to abstain from undue triumph. 'Well, well, my dear, we all make mistakes, though we don't all admit so readily as you have done that they are mistakes,' she said good-humouredly. 'I suppose the girl felt the restraint of this quiet life too much. What was her occupation before she came down? I don't know that I heard anything about her.' 'She was once a mill girl with Mr. Fordyce,' answered Gladys. 'She is the girl who disappeared, don't you remember?--Walter Hepburn's sister.' 'Oh!' The lawyer drew a long breath. 'Perhaps it is just as well she has disappeared again. I did not know _that_ was the girl all the talk was about. Well, are you not tired of this quiet life yet?' 'Oh no; I like it very much. But when will you allow the girls to come down, Mrs. Fordyce? I think it is too bad that they have never yet paid me a proper visit at Bourhill.' 'They are talking of London again--wheedling their poor dear papa, as they do every May. I think you must go with us again, my dear.' 'Yes, I should like that,' replied Gladys, with brightening face; and Mrs. Fordyce perceived that she had sustained a very severe disappointment, which had made her for the time being a trifle discontented with her own fair lot. She took an early opportunity, when Gladys conducted her to the guest-chamber, to put another question to her. 'Gladys, how long is it since George was here?' 'I have never seen him since that night in your house, when he didn't come up to the drawing-room,' answered Gladys calmly. 'But he has written, I suppose?' 'No; nor have I.' 'My dear girl, this is very serious,' said Mrs. Fordyce gravely. 'What was the difference about? You will tell me, my dear? I have your best interests at heart, but I cannot help thinking it is rather soon to disagree.' 'I don't think we disagreed, only I said I should ask whom I like to Bourhill. Surely that was within my rights?' said Gladys proudly. 'Oh yes, to a certain degree, but not when you harbour questionable characters--yes, I repeat it, questionable characters, such as the girl who ran off this morning I hope you counted your spoons to-day, Gladys?' Gladys could have laughed, only she was too miserable. 'Oh, what absurd mistakes you make!' was all she said. 'Not so very absurd, I think. Well, as I said, I think George only showed that he had a proper regard for you and your peculiar position here. We know the world, my love; you do not. I think now, surely, you will allow us to be the judges of what is best for you?'