Presently, half in jest, Hilliard mentioned Narramore's building projects.
"But who knows?
It _might_ come to something of importance for me.

In two or three years, if all goes well, such a thing might possibly give me a start." A singular solemnity had settled upon Eve's countenance.

She spoke not a word, and seemed unaccountably ill at ease.
"Do you think I am in the clouds ?" said Hilliard.
"Oh, no! Why shouldn't you get on--as other men do ?" But she would not dwell upon the hope, and Hilliard, not a little vexed, again became silent.
Her next visit was after a lapse of three weeks.

She had again been suffering from a slight illness, and her pallor alarmed Hilliard.

Again she began with talk of Patty Ringrose.
"Do you know, there's really a chance that we may see her before long! She'll have a holiday at Easter, from the Thursday night to Monday night, and I have all but got her to promise that she'll come over here.