"Dear me," said Mrs. Palmer, "what rubbish that man does spend his money on. What's the use of buying instruments you can't play on? I dare say he'll try to, though, for Mr. Hill is the queerest man I ever set eyes on." "He _is_ strange," said Eva gravely. She did not wish to tell Mrs. Palmer that she disliked the little man, for after all he was Allen's father, and there was no need to say anything. "But Mr. Hill is very clever." "So they say. But he worries me. He's always got some new idea in his head. I think he changes a thousand times a day. Mrs. Merry doesn't like him, but then she likes no one, not even me." "Poor nurse," said Eva sadly, "she has had an unhappy life." "I don't think you have had a bright one, dear; but you shall have, if I can make it so. Are you sure you have everything you want?" "Everything," said Eva affectionately; "you are more than kind, Mrs.----" "_Constance!_" cried the pretty widow in a high key. "Constance, of course. But tell me your surprise." Mrs. Palmer began to fidget. "I don't know if you will be pleased, after all, Eva. But if you don't like to meet him say you have a headache, and I'll entertain him myself." "Who is it?" asked Eva, surprised at this speech. "Lord Saltars," said Mrs. Palmer in a very small voice, and not daring to look at her companion. Miss Strode did not reply at once. She was ill-pleased that the man should come to the house, because she did not wish to meet him. Her mother's family had done nothing for her, and even when she lost her father, Saltars, although in the neighbourhood, had not been kind enough to call. Eva met him once, and, as she had told Mrs. Palmer, did not like his free and easy manner. However, it was not her place to object to Saltars coming. This was not her house, and she was merely a paid companion. This being the case, she overcame her momentary resentment and resolved to make the best of the position. She did this the more especially as she knew that Mrs. Palmer had only been actuated in inviting Saltars by her worship of rank. "I shall be quite pleased to meet my cousin," said Eva. "I hope you are not annoyed, Eva." "I am not exactly pleased, but this is your house, and----" "Oh, please--please don't speak like that," cried the widow, "you make me feel so cheap. And the fact is--I may as well confess it--Lord Saltars, knowing you were with me, for I told my Shanton friends and they told him, asked if I would invite him to dinner." "To meet me, I suppose?" "I fancy so. But why don't you like him, Eva He's a very nice man." "Not the kind of man I care about," replied Eva, rising; "however, Mrs. Palmer, I'll meet him. It's time to dress now." She glanced at the clock. "At what time does he arrive?" "At seven. He's at Shanton." "Ah! Is the circus there again?" "Yes. It is paying a return visit. But I know you're angry with me, dear--you call me Mrs. Palmer."