"Now, that's very kind of you, my dear. It's touching," said Miss Heathery, wiping her eyes. "You do think me then a very dear friend?" she said, clinging to Mrs Hallam, and gazing plaintively in her face. "Indeed I do." "Then may I make a confidant like of you, dear?" "Yes, certainly," said Millicent. "But first of all, can I help you nurse Mr Hallam, or take care of Julie?" "Oh, no, thank you. Mr Hallam is much better, and Julie is happiest with Thisbe." "Or Mr Bayle," said Miss Heathery; "but I have not seen her with him lately. Oh, I forgot, he has gone to London." "Indeed!" said Millicent, starting, for she connected his absence with her husband's trouble. "Yes; gone two, three days; but, Millicent dear, may I speak to you plainly?" "Of course. Tell me," said Millicent smiling, and feeling amused as she anticipated some confidence respecting an engagement. "And you are sure you will not feel hurt?" "Trust me, I shall not," said Millicent, with her old grave smile. "Well then, my dear," whispered the visitor, "it is about money matters. You know I have none in the bank now, because I bought a couple of houses, but I have been asking, and I find that I can borrow some money on the security, and I thought--there! I knew you would feel hurt." For Millicent's eyes had begun to dilate, and she drew back from her visitor. "I only meant to say that I could not help knowing you--that Mr Hallam kept you--oh! I don't know how to say it, Millicent dear, but--but if you would borrow some money of me, dear, it would make me so very happy." The tears sprang to Millicent's eyes as she rose and kissed her visitor. "Thank you, dear Miss Heathery," she cried. "I shall never forget this unassuming kindness, but it is impossible that I can take your help." "Oh, dear me! I was afraid you would say so, and yet it is so sad to run short. Couldn't you really let me help you, my dear?" "No, it is impossible," said Millicent, smiling gently. "Is it quite impossible?" said Miss Heathery. "Yes, dear; but believe me, if I were really in great need I would come to you for help." "You promise me that, dear?" cried the little woman, rising. "I promise you that," said Millicent, and her visitor went away overjoyed. VOLUME TWO, CHAPTER TWELVE. ROBERT HALLAM WANTS FRESH AIR. "That woman seemed as if she would never go," said Hallam, entering the room hastily, and glancing at the clock. "She does like to stop and chat," replied Millicent, wondering at his manner. "What are you going to do?" "I am off for a short run. I cannot bear this confinement any longer. It is dark, and no one will see me if I go out for a change." "Shall I go with you?" "Go with me! No, not now," he said hastily. "I want a little fresh air. Don't stop me. I shall be back soon." His manner seemed very strange, but Millicent said nothing, only followed him into the hall. "No, no," he said hastily; "don't do that. It is as if you were watching me."