Left to himself, Mr. Hurst walked
nervously up and down the room, and, catching sight of his face in the
old-fashioned glass on the mantel-piece, heightened its colour by a few
pinches. The minutes seemed inter-minable, but at last he heard the
steps of Mr. Mott on the stairs again.
"She's coming down to see you herself," said the latter, solemnly.
Mr. Hurst nodded, and, turning to the window, tried in vain to take an
interest in passing events. A light step sounded on the stairs, the door
creaked, and he turned to find himself con-fronted by Miss Garland.
"Uncle told me--" she began, coldly. Mr. Hurst bowed.
"I am sorry to have caused you so much trouble," he said, trying to
control his voice, "but you see my position, don't you?"
"No," said the girl.
"Well, I wanted to make sure," said Mr. Hurst. "It's best for all of us,
isn't it? Best for you, best for me, and, of course, for my young lady."
"You never said anything about her before," said Miss Garland, her eyes
darkening.
"Of course not," said Mr.
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