"She is going to marry some fortune-hunting scamp," thought Miss Payne. "I was afraid no good would come of her visit to that little dressy dolly sister-in-law of hers." She only said, "Dinner will be ready in half an hour, and we shall be quite alone."
Then she went quickly down stairs to her brother, who was gazing out of the window, but not seeing what he looked at.
"You can't dine here to-day, Bertie," said Miss Payne, abruptly, as she entered the room.
"And why not?"
"Because she wants to have some confidential conversation with me after dinner, and we must be alone."
"Have you any idea what it will be about?"
"No; and I am astonished at your putting the question. You may come in after church to-morrow if you like."
"Thank you. I shall be rather late, as I am going to an open-air service beyond Whitechapel."
"Well, I do hope you'll get something to eat after. Are you going to preach?"
"No. I seldom preach. I haven't the gift of eloquence."