The Womans Way

She was silent for a moment or two, as she asked herself whether she

should tell this good friend of hers all that had happened on that

fateful night; but she felt that she could not do so. The secret did not

belong to her.

"He may come back," she continued, in a low voice. "And if he should,

and you see him, will you give him a message that was left with me for

him. It is just, 'It is all right.'"

"Certainly," said Mr. Clendon, without the least sign of curiosity,

though his piercing eyes had been watching her face. "Will you write to

me, and tell me how you get on at--what is the name of the place?--ah,

yes, Thexford?"

"Why, of course I will. I will write and tell you everything," said

Celia, promptly, gratefully.

"And if it should not suit you, and you are not happy there, you will

tell me frankly?"

"Oh, yes; for you will still be my mascot, will you not? But I am sure

to be happy. I love books. I shall be in Devonshire, and I shall be

earning all this money. Mr. Clendon, I am the very luckiest girl in the

world."

"And the best, I am sure," he said, gently. "Now, I will go down to the

bank with you, if you will let me, and see that you get this money all

right."

This was the last straw. She could not keep back her tears. She hurried

into her coat and hat, and they went out together. As they descended the

stairs, they happened to pass the little chorus girl and the grim old

lady, and Celia could not help nodding and smiling at them. The chorus

girl smiled back, and even the grim old lady's frown relaxed as she

bowed in stately fashion.

"I'm so happy, that I could shake hands with everybody," said Celia. "I

feel as if I must make friends with everyone I meet."

Then suddenly the happiness fled from her face, her eyes grew dark and

sad; for at that instant she thought of the young man, the fugitive

flying from justice. Where was he? What was he doing? Oh, if he would

only come back and get the message!

The polite and amiable cashier at the bank handed over ten bright

sovereigns, and with these in the purse clasped in her hand Celia

returned to the Buildings, to engage in a fight with Mr. Clendon over

the sum which he declared was all that was due to him. But it was

settled at last, though scarcely to Celia's satisfaction.