"Show it to grandfather, Alf," she said.
But Alfred buttoned his coat, and said that grandfather didn't take an interest in such things. He fretted, however, because the old man glanced at him somewhat sadly and significantly, and very soon found an excuse to leave.
"Alfred goes out a great deal now, Lily," said Old Wheels. "Do you know where he goes to?"
"No," replied Lily, "but I suspect--I suspect!" with an arch glance at her grandfather.
"What do you suspect, my dear?"
"You must guess for yourself, dear grandfather, for I know nothing--nothing yet. But supposing--just supposing, grandfather--that a young man has a portrait in his pocket which he looks at very often, and won't let anybody else see for the world--that is a sign, isn't it?"
She asked this with a sly look into her grandfather's face; he was silent for a while, and said presently,
"Alfred has such a portrait, Lily?"
"Perhaps," she said, in unconscious imitation of her brother; "mind, I only say perhaps."
A footfall on the stairs; a brighter flush on Lily's cheek; knock at the door, and Felix entered. Happy moments followed. There was no lack of conversation when these three were together. But Lily had her duties to perform, and within an hour they were walking towards the Royal White Rose, and Felix bade Lily good-night at the stage-door.