The next day it had been arranged between them that they were not to meet, for he was to be at home all that day and busy; but her anxiety was too great; she resolved to go to his lodgings and ask for him. She had never done that before; but now the crisis was too serious to let her heed what any one might say—indeed she did not think for a moment about it. So all the morning she went about the house, performing such small duties as had been entrusted to her, and wondering when the heavy rain would leave off. At last, about noon, when the dismal skies gave no sign of clearing, she got her ulster and deerstalker’s cap, put on a thick pair of boots, and, armed with a stout umbrella, went out into the black and dripping world. No one had attempted to hinder her. And yet it was with some curious sense of shame that she timidly rang the bell when she reached these obscure lodgings. The door was in a dusky entry; the landlady who answered the summons did not notice how the girl’s cheeks were unusually flushed when she asked if Mr. Ronald Strang were at home. ’Yes, he is,’ the woman said; and then she hesitated, apparently not quite knowing whether she should ask the young lady to step within or not. ’Will you tell him that I should like to see him for a moment—here!’ she said. In less than a minute Ronald was with her—and he had brought his cap in his hand; for he had guessed who this was; and instinctively he knew that he could not ask her to come within doors. But when she said she had something to say to him, and turned to face the dismal day outside, he could not but glance at the swimming pavements and the murky atmosphere. ’On such a morning, Meenie— ’Oh, but I am well wrapped up,’ she said, quite happily—for the mere sight of him had restored her courage, ’and you shall have the umbrella—yes—I insist—take it—well, then, I ask you to take it as a favour, for I am not going to have you get wet on my account.’ Of course he took the umbrella—to hold over her; and so they went out into the wet streets. ’I am so glad to see you, Ronald,’ she said, looking up with a face that told its own story of joy and confidence; ’don’t blame me; I have been miserable; I could not help coming to ask you for a little—a little comfort, I think, and hope——’ ’But what have you been doing to your eyes, Meenie, darling? What kind of a look is that in them?’ ’Well, I cried all last night—all the night through, I believe,’ said she simply; but there was no more crying in her eyes, only light and love and gladness. ’And now, the moment I see you I think I must have been so foolish. The moment I see you everything seems right; I am no longer afraid; my heart is quite light and hopeful again.’ ’Ay, and what has been frightening you, then?’