Farrell wished he had left his remark unspoken, and finding that he had somehow extinguished her smiles and her talk, he relieved her of his company, and went away to talk to Sarratt and Captain Marsworth.

As soon as tea was over, Nelly beckoned to her husband.
'Are you going so soon ?' said Hester Martin, who had been unobtrusively mothering her, since Farrell left her--'When may I come and see you ?' 'To-morrow ?' said Nelly vaguely, looking up.

'George hoped you would come, before he goes.

There are--there are only three days.' 'I will come to-morrow,' said Miss Martin, touching Nelly's hand softly.
The cold, small fingers moved, as though instinctively, towards her, and took refuge in her warm capacious hand.

Then Nelly whispered to Bridget--appealingly-- 'I want to go, Bridget.' Bridget frowned with annoyance.