At Love's Cost

The Herons were not very much surprised at Ida's flight, but though

John and his wife and daughter were anything but sorry to get rid of

her, they were rather uncomfortable, and Joseph, who was in the

doldrums after his drinking-fit, did not make them more comfortable by

assuring them that he was perfectly certain she had committed suicide.

He and his father set out to look for her, but, as Ida had left no clue

behind, they could find no trace of her, though they procured the

assistance of Scotland Yard, and inserted guarded advertisements in the

newspapers. John Heron comforted himself with the reflection that she

could have come to no harm or they would have heard of it; and at last

it occurred to him, when nearly a fortnight had elapsed, that she might

have returned to Herondale, probably to the care of Mr. Wordley, and

that he had been too indignant to acquaint the Herons with the fact.

"I think I had better run down to Herondale, Maria, and ascertain if

the erring and desperate girl has returned there," he said, one morning

after prayers. "Seeing that she left my roof in so unseemly a fashion,

with no word of regret or repentance, I do not consider that she has

any further claim upon me; but I have a tender heart, and on this

occasion I will be generous before I am just."

"I am sure she has no further claim upon us," said Mrs. Heron, with a

sniff, "and I hope you will make it plain, John, that on no account can

we take her back. We have been put to considerable trouble and expense,

and I really think that her going without any fuss is quite

providential."

At this moment there came a double knock at the door, and the servant

announced that Mr. Wordley was in the drawing-room. Mr. and Mrs. Heron

exchanged glances, and both of them turned rather pale; for John Heron

had a very vivid recollection of Mr. Wordley's frank and candid manner

of expressing himself. But he had to be faced, and the pair went down

into the drawing-room with a long-suffering expression on their faces.

Mr. Wordley, however, appeared to be quite cheerful. He shook hands

with both of them, and enquired after their health and that of their

family quite amiably and pleasantly.

"Most delightful weather, isn't it?" he remarked. "Quite pleasant

travelling. You have a remarkably--or--convenient house, Mrs. Heron:

charming suburb: will no doubt be quite gay and fashionable when it

is--er--more fully developed. You are looking well, Mr. Heron."