"She has splendid health," continued Malcolm gravely, "and work is a
perfect passion with her. She is energy incarnate, and among her
fellow-workers she is much respected. Unfortunately she expects her
belongings to live up to her standard." Here Malcolm paused.

"You mean Miss Sheldon has to work too?" observed Cedric.

"Yes, I mean that," returned Malcolm slowly. "She is very fond of my
mother--they are much attached to each other--but there is no doubt
that Anna works too hard. You can see now," he went on hurriedly,
"why I thought it better to take rooms for myself. I was not in
sympathy with my mother's pursuits; and when I left Oxford I soon
began to realise that life was impossible under my mother's roof.
The separation was painful to us both, and it nearly broke Anna's
heart, but at the present moment I do not think that any of us
repents of my action."

"You are all right now, Herrick?"

"Yes, I am all right, as you will see for yourself on Friday. My
crib just suits me. I have excellent companionship when I want it,
or solitude if I prefer it, and though life at Cheyne Walk is a
trifle Bohemian after Queen's Gate, I would not exchange it for a
palace."

"I am so glad to hear you say that. But, Herrick, I begin to be
afraid, don't you know, that you will find the Wood House slow. Of
course I think no end of my sisters; but you see they are not
young."