“Would your mother spare you again so soon? You have scarcely been home three months.”

“She MUST spare me!” cried Lucy, in growing excitement. “I simply MUST go away. I have to.” She ran her fingers hysterically through her hair. “Don't you see that I HAVE to go away? I didn't realize at the time — and of course I want to see Constantinople so particularly.”

“You mean that since you have broken off your engagement you feel — ”

“Yes, yes. I knew you'd understand.”

Mr. Beebe did not quite understand. Why could not Miss Honeychurch repose in the bosom of her family? Cecil had evidently taken up the dignified line, and was not going to annoy