"Afterwards—afterwards!" said Gertrude, with visible temper. "I shall run down to Brighton tomorrow, and come back fresh on Monday."

"To this flat?"

"Oh no—I've found a lodging."

Delia turned away—her breath fluttering.

"So we part to-morrow!" Then suddenly she faced round on Gertrude. "But
I don't go, Gertrude—till I have your promise!"

"What promise?"

"To let—Monk Lawrence alone!" said the girl with sudden intensity, and laying her uninjured hand on a table near, she stooped and looked Gertrude in the eyes.

Gertrude broke into a laugh.

"You little goose! Do you think I look the kind of person for nocturnal adventures?—a cripple—on a stick? Yes, I know you have been talking to Marion Andrews. She told me."

"I warned you," said Delia, with determination—"which was more to the point. Everything Mr. Lathrop told me, I handed on to you."