"Because I haven't got one to bestow," she retorted. "If I ever possessed such an uncomfortable organ it must have been stolen from me long ago, but I don't feel the want of it so don't miss it at all. I suppose you flatter yourself that Jill has given her heart to you?" "Yes," he answered smiling, and patting his left side, "I have it here safe enough in place of the one I gave to her." "Ah!" returned Miss Bolton coolly, "a pretty fancy no doubt, but a fancy all the same, my dear Jack, and absolutely ridiculous." "Don't be cynical," he said; "it's a sign of the times, and unbecoming." "And cynical women are generally old maids," laughed Evie. "That won't do for I must have my title. I won't die an old maid if I have to advertise in a matrimonial journal." CHAPTER FOURTEEN. When St. John returned after seeing his cousin safely home it was late in the afternoon, and though the place still remained open business was apparently over for the day. Thompkins and Co. were not over-burdened with customers at any time, and their number since the advent of the new Co. had been steadily on the decrease. Business was slack, the returns were very small, and St. John felt by no means sanguine as to the success of his venture. He had been married a little over four months, and it was only by exercising the greatest care that they managed to pay their way even. Jill was a thrifty housewife--she always had been,--but St. John forgot his straightened circumstances at times, and launched out a little recklessly. He had not been altogether careful that afternoon, and the consciousness of the fact gave him an unpleasant twinge of remorse as he mounted the steep stairs to their little sitting-room. Jill was alone standing looking out of the window with her back towards the door, nor did she turn round at his entry. She was displeased. "You have been a long time," she said. "I'm afraid I have," he admitted. "You weren't lonely I hope?" "No; I was too busy for that. And afterwards Mr Markham came in. He has just left." "Why, he was here yesterday. He surely didn't want his photo taken again?" "No, I think he wanted a chat, and when he found I was alone he stayed on for company. Have you had a pleasant time? Where did you go?" "We went and had tea," he answered. He didn't say where; he was ashamed to; it was one of the places where you pay for locality and Miss Bolton had not once offered to share expenses. "And then we spent a little time at the Academy--Evie's fond of pictures you know." "Oh, yes, I know," agreed Jill drily. "I have a vivid recollection of her passion for art; it was so upsetting. I suppose she shut her eyes occasionally? Some people take art like they do physic--shut their eyes and hold their noses except when nobody's looking." "Jill dear, don't be nasty," he said. Jill laughed.