The reason for this was that, turning over the matter in his mind for a day or two, he thought it well to mention it to Miriam in a casual way, for he perceived that it would be very unwise for him to go to Dora's house without informing his sister and giving her his reasons for the visit.

It certainly was very late for the evening meal, but he would not worry Miriam with any signs of impatience.

"Who is this woman?" said Miriam for the second time, thinking that Gloriana had fallen asleep.

" Miss Panney was half way up the stairs when La Fleur detained Miriam by a touch on the arm.

" In her enthusiasm, Sally gambolled about the girls, flourishing her milk-pan like a modern Miriam about to sound her timbrel for excess of joy.

He could barely scrape together enough money to send Miriam to a boarding-school and to keep himself alive until he could get work.

" "By no means," cried Ralph, and down they sat, Ralph at one end of the long table, and Miriam at the other.

Spinrobin started up, lifting Miriam into his arms.

But, before they could meet and touch, a door opened and in slipped Miriam between them; she, too, was radiant, and her hands outstretched.

And, with a splendid spiritual exultation tearing and swelling in his heart, he turned at once triumphantly to Miriam beside him.

At the back of the room sat Miriam among the shadows, like some melody hovering in a musician's mind till he should call her forth.

I spared him nothing in the recital, and his stern features softened as I emphasised Gloriana's anxiety to save Miriam from worry.