"You see, it's absolutely necessary I should see--see Miss Hugonin

about this will business. You don't mind very much, do you--darling?"

Mr. Woods inquired of her, the last word being rather obviously an

afterthought.

"No," said she. "Not if you must--dear."

Billy went away, lugging a heart of lead in his breast.

Kathleen stared after him and gave a hard, wringing motion of her

hands. She had done what many women do daily; the thing is common and

sensible and universally commended; but in her own eyes, the draggled

trollop of the pavements was neither better nor worse than she.