“I think Miss Simpson will suit Wardley admirably,” said Mr Bloxam, quickly; “he is just the man who ought to marry one older than himself. You see how delicate he is, and it is meet that his wife be one whose age and experience fits her to take care of him.”
“Ye-e-s,” replied Mr Winterton.
“I think,” rejoined Mr Bloxam, “that as Wardley is unwell to-night we had better not excite him by discussing these important subjects in his hearing.”
“I quite agree with you,” replied Mr Winterton.
When Mrs Wiseman went to bid Stella “good-night” she found the girl sobbing on her pillow as if her heart were breaking.
“Cheer up, my deary,” said the kind woman; “things may not be as bad as you think. Look here, I want you to-morrow to do exactly as I tell you to, and ask no questions. Will you promise to do so?”
“Yes,” whispered Stella through her sobs.
“Very well, then. To-morrow morning, first thing, you are to write a note to that young man you made friends with on board ship asking him to come up and take lunch with us.”
Stella nodded.