"I will let you know about Jean's return, and remember, you are to spend Christmas with us."
"As if I could forget," Farr murmured to himself, as he strode away, his face alight with a great happiness.
As Helen rang the bell of the Hills' cozy apartment, the door was opened from the inside, and she found herself face to face with Lillian Stuart. From the drawing-room came the buzz of tongues, and through the half-open portières she could see quite a number of people standing about. Miss Stuart answered her unspoken thought:
"Don't go in there, Helen; take me to your room. I want to speak to you for a moment. I have already made my call on the Hills."
Helen obediently led the way down the hall, but her heart was very heavy, for she had no courage for another scene this afternoon. She knew that the conversation must necessarily be painful, and she made every effort to put off the evil moment; but in vain. Almost before the door was closed Miss Stuart began:
"Now, Helen, will you please explain to me why you must return to Hetherford in such haste? Surely your aunt can spare you to me for a few days. I can't imagine how you could have planned to be in town, and not to be with me for a little visit."
Helen flushed guiltily.
"I am so sorry, dear," she faltered. "Another time, perhaps, but now I must go home."
Miss Stuart started up, loosening her fur boa impatiently.
"That is absolute folly. There is nothing to stand in the way unless——" She broke off abruptly, and her eyes searched Helen's downcast face. "Do you want to put an end to our friendship," she cried sharply. "Is that why you act so strangely?"