Out of her sphere - University Library

UNL UCKY A UDLEY DALE. 89
ing paler and graver than its wont. Beatey
was mucli the same as ever. In another
second she espied him, and willing to do as
she would be done by, drew back, so that
he should meet Milly comparatively alone.
Miss Lisdale gave a little start when she
perceived her lover. Then she put out her
hand, frankly, but still with the same air
of gravity which he had noticed as over-
spreading her face. On his side, he was a
little awkward and restrained. What
did she believe of him ? Had her mother
influenced her? No. The idea of Mrs.
Kushington influencing any one would be
too absurd. But, still, Milly might have
heard this abominable scandal from other
quarters. He would not keep long in sus-
pense. He would know the worst or the
best at once. He turned back and walked
by her side, Beatey following at a discreet
distance.
"Milly/' he said, '' IVe been to your