"You know me too well to think that I should allow my selfish comfort to stand in the way of your advancement, Eleanor. Of course, I shall miss you. But do not think of that. Let us think only of your welfare. I shall have Molly, and must be content." Nell checked a sigh at the evident affectation of the profession. It was not in Mrs. Lorton to miss any human being so long as her own small comforts were assured. "Then I think I will go at once--to-night," said Nell. "Why should I not? They want me--some one--at once, and----" "Certainly," assented Mrs. Lorton eagerly. "I should go at once. You will write immediately, and tell me what the house is like, and the dresses." Nell went downstairs, feeling rather confused and bewildered by the sudden change in her life. She was to have been Drake's wife; she was now to be--what was it, companion, housekeeper?--to Lady Wolfer! Dick met her at the bottom of the stairs. "I can't find Drake," he said, of course, with an injured air. "They say he left the cottage early this morning--they thought he was coming up here, as usual; but he hasn't been, has he?" Nell shook her head. "See, Dick, I've some news for you," she said. "I am going to London." She gave him the letter to read, and he read it, with a running commentary of indignant and scoffing exclamations. "Of all the pompous, stuck-up letters, it's the worst I ever imagined! And you say you're going? Oh, but look here! What will Drake say?" Nell turned away. "I don't think he will object," she said, almost inaudibly. Dick stared at her. "Look here, young party, what is up between you two? Is there anything wrong? Oh, dash it! don't look as if I'd said there was a ghost behind you! What is it?" "Drake--Drake and I are not going to be married," she said, trying to smile, but breaking down in the attempt. "We--we have agreed--to--to part!" Dick uttered a low whistle, and gazed at her, aghast. "All off!" he said. "Phew! Why--when--how?" She began to collect some of her small belongings--a tiny workbasket, some books, and such like, and answered as she moved to and fro, studiously keeping her face turned away from him: "I can't tell you; don't ask me, Dick. Don't--don't ask him. It--it is all right. It is all for the best, as mamma would say; and--and----" She went behind him and laid her hand on his shoulder, her favorite attitude when she was serious or pleading. "And mind, Dick, it is to make no difference between you--and Drake. It--is--yes, it is all my fault. I--I was foolish and----" She could bear no more; and, with a quick movement of her hand to her throat, hastened from the room. Dick looked after her ruefully for a moment or two, then his face cleared, and he winked to himself.