"I was thinking ... I mean ..." Suddenly impatient of her own cowardice she took her courage in both hands and spoke bravely. "I was wondering whether you would allow me to ask Fanny--my cousin--down for the afternoon. You see, if you are away----" "Why, of course, dear!" Owen spoke the more heartily because he felt a slight compunction at the thought of her relations. "Ask your cousin by all means. You must remember that this is your house, Toni, and you need not ask my leave to invite your friends." "Thank you." She was looking down as she spoke, but her cheeks were scarlet. "I will ask her then ... but ..." suddenly her words came with a rush "... I know my people aren't like yours ... I couldn't let them meet your friends ... I mean--I'll ask them when you are not at home, and then----" "Don't be a goose, Toni!" Owen hoped his voice betrayed nothing. "Your people are my people now, you know, and I don't want you to get any silly ideas into your head at the start." She stretched out her hand impulsively and laid it on his arm. "Owen, you're too good to me. I know so well that we belong to different worlds, but ... if you mean that----" "Of course I mean it." He rose as he spoke and patted her shoulder. "Don't be a little silly--and now run away and write to your cousin at once. If she can't come to-morrow, suggest Friday." "Oh, she couldn't come then," returned Toni naively. "You see the shop closes on Thursday afternoon, and it's Fanny's only free day." "I see." Somehow the little explanation, with its picture of a different life from that to which he was accustomed, struck a chill to Owen's heart; but he hid his discomfort cleverly and bade Toni write her letter without delay. * * * * * Miss Gibbs accepted the invitation joyfully; and on Thursday morning Owen went off to town, after bidding Toni keep her cousin to dinner if possible. "She can take the nine-fifteen to town," he said. "I have the car, but if she can stay, telephone for a taxi from the station to be here at nine. You won't be lonely, Toni?" "Not a bit!" Indeed she was thrilling with pleasure at the idea of entertaining her cousin in her new home. "I've lots to see to. What a pity Mrs. Blades is ill to-day." "Yes, her usual bronchitis, I suppose. She'll be all right in a day or two." Owen was hunting for a paper as he spoke. "Confound it, where is that manuscript, Toni? You know the one--that article on Alfred Noyes." "It's here." Toni handed him the paper he required. "Thanks awfully. You're a first-rate little secretary, Toni! I guess we shall miss you at the office!"