"So Allott has not persuaded you to come with us!" she remarked.

"No," said Thirlwell. "Very sorry, but there are matters I can't
neglect."

"We shall miss you," she said, with a side glance. "I suppose you are
not coming to England afterwards?"

"I'm afraid not," Thirlwell answered.

Then, to his surprise, she gave him a rather curious smile. "From the
beginning I didn't think you would come."

"Ah!" said Thirlwell. "Still I don't see why--"

"That doesn't matter," she answered calmly. "After all, I dare say it's
better in many ways that you should stay in Canada, and I wish you
luck." She paused a moment and resumed: "I want you to feel that I do
wish it. But Mrs. Allott is waiting for me. We shall, no doubt, see you
before we start."

She left him puzzled but relieved. Next morning he stood on the platform
of the Grand Trunk station, and Evelyn, leaning on the rails of a
vestibule, smiled and waved her hand as the train rolled away.




CHAPTER II