"So I imagine," returned Malcolm, who was secretly disposed to agree
with Cedric. Two maiden ladies of uncertain age might be endeared to
their brother; but Malcolm, who was rather fastidious on the subject
of female beauty, was not over-anxious to cultivate their
acquaintance.

"Dinah is much older than Elizabeth," continued Cedric
confidentially. "There were two or three brothers and sisters
between them, only they died. She is over forty, you know, and
Elizabeth is nearly thirty. There is a good bit of difference--only
she never makes herself out young. You will be sure to like them,"
went on the lad eagerly; "they are good women, and just your sort."

"Oh, I daresay we shall get on first-rate," returned Malcolm
mendaciously, for he was anything but certain of it. "Hallo, old
fellow," interrupting himself, "the storm is over and we can make
tracks now." And then they went out together.

As they parted at the Temple station, Cedric pushed a little sealed
packet into his friend's hand.

"It is the first instalment," he whispered, growing very red; "don't
open it till you get back." But Malcolm's curiosity would not allow
him to wait; and when Cedric had disappeared into the station he
broke the seal. To his surprise there were fifty pounds in notes and
gold, the saving and scrapings of two years.

"Good lad," he murmured approvingly, as he stowed it carefully away
in a breast-pocket, and a thrill of pride and pleasure shot through