which in itself aided her immediate purpose, she said:

‘I shall prove it to you. That is, if you will not mind doing something which will save me an embarrassment.’

‘You know I will do anything, my dearest, which an old woman can do for a young one!’ Stephen squeezed the mittened hand which she held as she went on:

‘As I said, I have promised to lend him some money. The first instalment is to be given him to-morrow; he is to call for it in the afternoon. Will you give it to him for me?’

‘Gladly, my dear,’ said the old lady, much relieved. Stephen continued:

‘One other thing, Auntie, I want you to do for me: not to think of the