Caroline followed them to the head of the stairs to see them depart.

Julia slipped anxiously across the room to Netherby Gomme:

“Netherby, what is this? Is it all really true?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell me, Netherby?” The tears sprang into her eyes.

“I guessed what I guessed, Julia; but I have only known to-day.”

“Where are they going to live?”

Netherby Gomme smiled sadly:

“Well—Mrs. Baddlesmere has taken what is called by the house-agents the spacious, well-lit, and airy upper floor of an imposing family mansion in the West End.... We should call it an attic in Hammersmith.”

Noll, who had slid down from his office-stool, crept up to Julia: