 indeed, but
for a while made her very unlike herself, silent, with troubled eyes.
    »I had one valid excuse for coming to see you to-day,« she said, when gaiety
and dejection had both gone by. »Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw seriously think of going
to Rome at the end of next week, and they wish to have another day at Pompeii.
They would like it so much if you would go with them. If you do, I also will; we
shall make four for a carriage, and drive there, and come back by train.«
    »What day?«
    »To-morrow, if it be fine. Let me take them your assent.«
    Miriam agreed.
 
On Monday morning, as arranged, she was driving down to the Mergellina, when,
with astonishment, she saw her brother standing by the roadside, beckoning to
her. The carriage stopped, and he came up to speak.
    »Where are you off to?« he asked.
    »You are still here?«
    »I haven't been well. Didn't feel able to go yesterday. I was just coming to
see you.«
    »Not well, Reuben? Why didn't you come before?«
    »I couldn't. I want to speak to you. Where are you going?«
    She told him the plan for the day. Elgar turned aside, and meditated.
    »I'll see you there - at Pompeii somewhere. It'll be on my way.«
    »I had rather not go at all. I'll ask them to excuse me; Mrs. Lessingham
will perhaps take my place, and -«
    »No! I'll see you at Pompeii. I shall have no difficulty in finding you.«
    Miriam looked at him anxiously.
    »I don't wish you to meet us there, Reuben.«
    »And I do wish! Let me have my way, Miriam. Say nothing about me, and let
the meeting seem by chance.«
    »I can't do that. You make yourself ridiculous, after -«
    »Let me judge for myself. Go on, or you'll be late.«
    She half rose, as if about to descend from the carriage. Elgar laid his hand
on her arm, and clutched it so strongly that she sank back and regarded him with
a look of anger.
    »Miriam! Do as I wish, dear. Be kind to me for this once. If you refuse, it
will make no
