Even as she spoke Craig came up the steps. I passed into my studioand went on with my work, for my days at Black Rock were gettingfew, and many sketches remained to be filled in.

Through my open entrance I saw Mrs. Mavor lay her letters before Mr.Craig, saying, 'I always have a call too.' They thought not of me.

He went through the papers, carefully laid them down without a wordwhile she waited anxiously, almost impatiently, for him to speak.

'Well?' she asked, using his own words to her; 'should I go?'

'I do not know,' he said in reply; 'that is for you to decide--you knowall the circumstances.'

'The letters tell all.' Her tone carried a feeling ofdisappointment. He did not appear to care.

'The estates are large?' he asked.