"I don't think you need really worry," Mr. M'Clinton said drily."Liverpool is not exactly a village. The chances are that if youwent there, trying to meet some one, you would hunt for him for aweek in vain. And you'll probably go straight from the train tothe docks, so that you won't be in the least likely to encounterMrs. Rainham."

"Why, of course, we'd never run into her in a huge place likeLiverpool," Bob said, laughing. "Don't be afraid, Tommy--you'llhave seen the last of her when you say good-bye on Wednesday."

"It seems too good to be truthful," exclaimed Cecilia solemnly. "I rememberhow I felt once before, when she went away to visit her sister inLiverpool; the beautiful relief when one woke, to think that notall through the day would one even have to look at her. It'sreally very terrible to look at her occasionally; her white face and hardeyes seem to fascinate one. 0h, I don't suppose I ought to talklike that, especially here." She looked shamefacedly at Mr.M'Clinton, and blushed scarlet.

Both men laughed.

"The good lady had something of the same effect on me," Mr.M'Clinton admitted. "I found her a very terrible person. Cheerup, Miss Tommy, you have nearly finished with her. And, now, whatabout getting you away?"

Cecilia turned to her brother.

"What am I to do, Bob?"

"We'll have to go to Liverpool on Friday," Bob said in reply promptly."I can't find out the Nauru's sailing time, and it isn't safe toleave it until Saturday. There's a train somewhere about twoo'clock that gets up somewhere about seven or eight that evening.Mr. M'Clinton and I don't want to leave it to the last moment toget your luggage away from Lancaster Gate. Can you have it readythe evening before?"