Gussy made no movement to present the stranger to the governess. She gave him a chair so near herself that Janet was obliged to draw back a little more to get herself out of the way. It was the first time that she had found herself _de trop_ in the little circle. She was not, however, at all wounded by this, being very curious and much excited by the little drama which thus seemed to come to light under her eyes. It must have been existing for some time, Janet thought. They must have reached at least the end of the second, if not the third, act, and with quite a flush of interest she settled herself to watch its progress. Was she _de trop_? Would they rather she went away? Was Julia’s disappearance a signal for her--a hint that she was not wanted. These ideas passed through Janet’s head, but without disturbing her. She wanted above all things to follow this story out. “I have only just got back to town,” said Mr. Meredith. “I have had a longer holiday than usual this year.” “So we suppose, or I made sure we should have seen you,” said Gussy, with undisguised pleasure in her face. “That seems like making a claim of right upon Charley’s time,” said Mrs. Harwood; “we must not do that, for it is the last thing that young men like.” “I think Gussy understands me best,” he said, “so far as that goes. Of course I should have come in any case the first evening I had.” Janet said to herself that they must at least have begun the third act, as they called each other by their Christian names. “You say in any case?” said Gussy, with an inquiring look. “Yes; fancy what was the first thing I heard to-day. I went into Mimpriss’s on my way to the Temple to get some pencils, and there was some one inquiring for books for Mrs. Harwood: so I knew that you also had reached home.” “Oh, yes, we have been at home a long time!” said Gussy. “Mamma never likes to be long away: and Ju--you know Ju--was going down hill like an express train, getting more and more unmanageable and refractory every day.” “But I am happy to tell you, Charley, that Miss Summerhayes seems likely to work marvels.” This was the only thing that approached an introduction, and Janet did not know whether to take any notice. Mr. Meredith, however, jumped to his feet, and made her a bow. “It was Miss Summerhayes I saw changing the books,” he said. Gussy made no remark. She was not in the least disturbed by this greeting. Janet had not even the satisfaction of thinking that Miss Harwood did not wish her to seek the visitor’s acquaintance. She ignored her altogether, as if she was of absolutely no importance--which was much harder to bear, and a great surprise to the governess, who had hitherto been treated with so much regard. “Mamma cannot do without her books,” she said, calmly. “As for me, I have not heard a note of music since you have been away.”