"Better, I think. I don't deny that I like Mr. Parkins."
"Call him Horace----"
"He hasn't given me the right. You forget I saw him only for a month or so, when he was home last."
"You saw him long enough to fall in love with him."
"I don't deny that--to you; but if he dares to ask me to be his wife, I'll tell him what I think."
"Quite so, and then we can be married on the same day;--I to Allen, and you to Horace Parkins. Remember Horace is rich now--the mine has turned out splendidly."
"I'm rich enough without that," said Mrs. Palmer with a fine colour; "if I marry, it will be to please myself. I have had quite enough of marrying for money, and much good it's done me."
"You have done every one good," said Eva, kissing her; "think how kind you were to me, throughout that terrible time, when----"
"Hark!" said Mrs. Palmer, raising a jewelled finger; "at last!"
Shortly the door opened and Mrs. Hill entered, followed by Allen and Horace and by Mr. Mask. Eva had already seen Allen, and Mrs. Palmer had asked him and Horace to dinner, but both ladies were astonished when they saw the lawyer. "Well, this is a surprise," said the widow, giving her hand.