"Good-morning, Miss Welwyn," said Lady Adela, offering her hand. "We have to thank you for a patient hearing."
Tilly smiled politely, shook hands, but said nothing. Mr. Mainwaring, his heart sore for the girl, timidly signalled to his wife to leave her in peace.
"Do not trouble to show us out," said Lady Adela; and departed imposingly through the door.
With a long sigh of relief Tilly dropped back into her seat. Suddenly she was aware that she was not yet alone. Mr. Mainwaring had lingered in the room. He came forward now, and took the girl's hand in both of his.
"My dear, my dear!" he said quickly. "I wish you were my daughter. God give you a good husband!"
There was an ominous cough upon the landing outside; and the old gentleman, recalled to a sense of duty, trotted obediently out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Tilly snatched the letter from her belt.
"He loves me!" she murmured. "He loves me! He loves me still!"
She was not referring to Mr. Mainwaring senior.
CHAPTER XXVI