Ackroyd was walking with his hands in his pockets, looking carelessly about him. He recognised the two at a little distance, and drew one hand forth. Till he got quite near he affected not to have seen them; then, without a smile, he raised his hat, and walked past, his pace accelerated. Lydia, also with indifferent face, just bent to the greeting. Mr. Boddy had given a friendly nod. There was silence between the companions, then Lydia said: 'I've thought it better, grandad, not to--not to be quite the same with Mr. Ackroyd as I used to be.' 'Yes, yes, Lyddy; I understand, There's a deal of talk about him. I'm sorry. He's done me more than one good turn, and I hope he'll get straight again yet. I'm afraid, my dear, as--you know--the disappointment--' Lydia interrupted with firmness. 'That's no excuse at all--not a bit! If he really felt the disappointment so much he ought to have borne it like a man. Other people have as much to bear. I never thought he was a man of that kind, never! We won't say anything more about him.' Their conversation so lightened the way that they reached Westminster Bridge, and returned by the road which runs along the rear of the hospital. 'You won't come in, Lyddy?' said the old man, when they were near the shop again. 'Not to-day, grandad. I'm going to tea with Mrs. Grail and Gilbert, because Thyrza's away.' He acquiesced, trying to conceal the sadness he felt. Lydia kissed his cheek, and left him. All through tea in the Grails' parlour the talk was of Thyrza. How was she passing her time? Was it as fine at Eastbourne as here in London? What sort of a lady was Mrs. Ormonde? And when the three drew chairs about the fire, Gilbert had something of moment to communicate, something upon which he had resolved since Thyrza's departure. 'Lyddy,' he began, 'mother and I think Thyrza had better not go to work again. As she is going to miss to-morrow morning, it'll be a good opportunity for making the change. Isn't it better?' Lydia did not reply at once. Such a decided step as this reminded her how near the day was when, though they would still be near to each other, Thyrza and she must in a sense part. The thought was always a heavy one; she did not willingly entertain it. 'Do you think,' she asked at length, 'that Thyrza will feel she ought to stay at home?' 'I think she will, when I've spoken to her about it. We want you both to have your meals with us. Thyrza can help mother, and she'll have more time for her reading. Of course you must be just as much together as you like, but it would be pleasant if you would come down here to meals. Will you do us that kindness, Lyddy?' 'But,' Lydia began, doubtfully. Mrs. Grail interrupted her: