A singular flush came and went upon the other girl's face. She herself was little disposed to use sentimental words, and it was the first time that Thyrza had done so to her. The coarseness she heard from certain of her companions did not abash her, but this word of Thyrza's seemed to do so strangely. She looked up in a moment. Thyrza's face was agitated. 'What does that matter?' Totty said, in a rather hard voice. And she added, drawing herself up awkwardly, 'You've made your own choice, Thyrza.' For an instant surprise held Thyrza mute; then she exclaimed: 'But, Totty, you don't think--? I was thinking of you, dear; only of you. You never supposed I--Oh, say you didn't think that, Totty!' Totty relaxed her muscles a little. She smiled, shook her head, laughed uneasily. 'I meant, dear,' Thyrza continued, 'that I hope you do love him, as you're going to marry him. I hope you love him very much, and I hope he loves you. I'm sorry I said that. I thought you wouldn't mind.' 'I don't mind at all, old dear. If you _must_ know--I like him pretty well.' 'But it ought to be _more_ than that--it ought, Totty--much more than that, dear--' She was trembling. Totty looked at her in surprise, coldly. 'Don't go on like that,' she said. 'There, you've woke the child, of course! Now there'll be two of you crying. See which can make most noise. Now, Nelly! Well, I call this nice! At the sound of the child's voice, Thyrza at once restrained herself and rose from her chair. Totty managed to quieten her little charge, whom she took upon her lap. She did not look at Thyrza. 'Good-bye, Totty!' said the latter, holding out her hand. 'Good-bye!' Totty returned, but without appearing to notice the hand offered. 'I hope you'll be better before next Monday, Thyrza.' 'You're unkind to-day, Totty. I wish I hadn't come in.' There was no reply to this, so Thyrza said another farewell and left the house. She got back to her room, and, hopeless of otherwise passing the time till Lydia's return, lay down on the bed. Perhaps she could close her eyes for half an hour. But when she had turned restlessly from one side to the other, there came a knock at the door. She knew it must be Mrs. Grail, and made no answer. But the knock was repeated, and the door opened. Mrs. Grail looked in, and, seeing Thyrza, came to the bedside. 'Aren't you well, my dear?' she asked, gently. Thyrza made pretence of having just awoke. 'I thought I'd try and sleep a little,' she replied, holding her face with one hand. 'No, I don't feel quite well.' 'Lie quiet, then. I won't disturb you. Come down as soon as you'd like some tea.' It was a weary time till Lydia returned, although she came back nearly half an hour earlier than usual. Thyrza still lay on the bed. When they had exchanged a few words, the latter said: 'I don't think I can go to-night, Lyddy. My head's bad.' 'Oh, what a pity! Can't we do something to make it better?' Thyrza turned her face away.