“We must take Nelly into our confidence. You will not object to that?” “Certainly not. I like Miss McQuinch.” “You really do! Oh, I am so glad. Well, we are accustomed to go about together, especially to picture galleries. We can come to the Academy as often as we like; and you can come as often as you like, can you not?” “Opening day, for instance.” “Yes, if you wish.” “Let us say between half-past four and five, then. I would willingly be here when the doors open in the morning; but my business will not do itself while I am philandering and making you tired of me before your time. The consciousness of having done a day’s work is necessary to my complete happiness.” “I, too, have my day’s work to do, silly as it is. I have to housekeep, to receive visitors, to write notes about nothing, and to think of the future. We can say half-past four or any later hour that may suit you.” “Agreed. And now, Marian——” “Dont let me disturb you,” said Miss McQuinch, at his elbow, to Marian; “but Mrs. Leith Fairfax will be here with Sholto Douglas presently; and I thought you might like to have an opportunity of avoiding him. How do you do, Mr. Conolly?” “I must see him sooner or later,” said Marian, rising. “Better face him at once and get it over. I will go back by myself and meet them.” Then, with a smile at Conolly, she went out through the door leading to the water-color gallery. “Marian does not stand on much ceremony with you, Mr. Conolly,” said Miss McQuinch, glancing at him. “No,” said Conolly. “Do you think you could face the Academy again on Monday at half-past four?” “Why?” “Miss Lind is coming to meet me here at that hour.” “Marian!” “Precisely. Marian. She has promised to marry me. At present it is a secret. But it was to be mentioned to you.” “It will not be a secret very long if you allow people to overhear you calling her by her Christian name in the middle of the Academy, as you did me just now,” said Elinor, privately much taken aback, but resolute not to appear so. “Did you overhear us? I should have been more careful. You do not seem surprised.” “Just a little, at your audacity. Not in the least at Marian’s consenting.” “Thank you.” “I did not mean it in that way at all,” said Elinor resentfully. “I think you have been very fortunate, as I suppose you would have married somebody in any case. I believe you are able to appreciate her. That’s a compliment.” “Yes. I hope I deserve it. Do you think you will ever forgive me for supplanting the hero Marian deserves?”