I took a house there, and Mr.and Mrs.Varick had the house next door.

We made friends, I mean Mr.Varick and myself, over the garden wall, and he asked me if I would mind coming in some day and seeing his wife.

I had a great deal of idle time on my hands, so very soon I spent even more time with the Varicks than I did with my friend, and she--I mean poor Milly--became very, very fond of me." There was a pause.

And then the younger woman went on: "And if we knew each other for such a short time, as one measures time, I on my side soon got very fond of Milly.

Though she was a good deal over thirty"-- again the listener felt a thrill of unreasoning surprise--"there was something very simple and young about poor Milly." The speaker stopped, and Blanche, leaning forward, exclaimed: "I am deeply interested in what you tell me, Miss Brabazon! I have never liked to say much to Lionel about his wife; but I have always so wondered what she was really like ?" "She simply adored Mr.Varick," Helen answered eagerly.