lusions. . .only this once and then adieu to fruitless dreaming. . .thenceforth, only sober, solid, sad reality should occupy my mind; but while I thus resolved, a low voice close beside me, said,
"I suppose you are going this week, Miss Grey?"
"Yes," I replied. I was very much startled; and had I been at all hysterically inclined, I certainly should have committed myself in some way then. Thank God I was not.
"Well," said Mr. Weston, "I want to bid you good-bye. . .it is not likely I shall see you again before you go."
"Good-bye Mr. Weston," I said. . .Oh, how I struggled to say it calmly! I gave him my hand. He retained it a few seconds in his.
"It is possible we may meet again," said he, "will it be of any consequence to you whether we do or not?"
"Yes, I should be very glad to see you again."
I could say no less. He kindly pressed my hand, and went. Now I was happy again. . .though more inclined to burst into tears than ever. If I had been forced to speak at that moment, a succession of sobs would have ine-