But she would see him again soon--she comforted herself with the assurance. In spite of his changed manner and apparent indifference, she was sure she would see him again. Micky--as June had said of him--never failed! It was her last thought as she fell asleep, that she would surely see him the next day. But Micky did not come! Esther rested till lunch time, after which June insisted on a walk. "The sun's shining, and it's wicked to stay indoors," she declared; she marched Esther about for half an hour. Esther had been so sure that Micky would come. She glanced up at the clock, and then at Micky's photograph--but to-day he seemed to be looking past her into the room to where June was bustling about, and she gave a little sigh. The evening dragged away. "What are you thinking about?" June asked once abruptly. "You look so sad, don't look sad, my dear! there's lots of happy days to come yet--happier days than you've ever had." Esther was only half listening. It was too late for Micky to come now was the thought in her mind. Supposing he never came again? She cried herself to sleep that night. When she woke it was late in the morning, and June had had her breakfast and gone out. She came in while Esther was dressing. She looked very pleased and alert. "Business, my child!" she said enthusiastically. "Such a duck of an American! and Micky's introduction! Mr. George P. Rochester!--isn't it a lovely name? He's going to establish me firmly in little old New York, as he calls it, and make my fortune. I'm going out to lunch with him at one o'clock, and you're coming too!--Oh, yes you _are_!" as Esther shook her head. "I've told him all about you already." Esther laughed. "You must have got on very fast," she said. "And anyway I'm not going to play odd-man-out." June made a little grimace. "I telephoned Micky and asked him to come and make a fourth," she admitted. Esther flushed. She looked up eagerly: "And--and is he coming?" June shook her head. "No, he isn't," she said with overdone indifference. "He said he'd got an engagement already, but between you and me and the doorpost," she added darkly, "I don't believe it! I think he just didn't _want_ to come." "Oh," said Esther faintly. "I expect he has a good many engagements," she added after a moment. June said "Humph!" She recalled the curt manner of Micky's refusal, and wondered if there had been a more serious rupture between himself and Esther than she was ever likely to hear about. "So we shall have to make up our minds to enjoy ourselves without his distinguished company," she said airly. "I dare say we shall be able to manage quite nicely. Esther, aren't you going to wear your fur coat?" "My fur coat!" said Esther rather unsteadily. "It's not mine." She was taking from the wardrobe the shabby jacket she had worn the first night she met Micky; it looked more shabby and unsmart than ever, but she was going to wear it whatever happened.