had just given it a vigorous poking and put on fresh coal. The room was full of its pleasant light. 

 Mrs. Sampson was surprised to find him there. "Miss Bentley, this is Mr. Reynolds, a friend of Mr. Knight's," she explained, adding that Miss Bentley was locked out, and wished to sit by the window and watch for her uncle to come back. "And if you'll excuse me, Miss Bentley, the cook has her Sunday evenings out, and I get supper myself," she added as she withdrew. 

 Margaret Elizabeth and the Candy Man faced each other in silence for a second or two, then she said, very gravely indeed, "I am glad to meet you, Mr. Reynolds." 

 "Thank you, Miss Bentley. May I give you a chair?" he asked. 

 "Thank you, I will sit here by the window." The window was some distance from the fire, but as she sat down Margaret Elizabeth loosened her furs as if she felt its heat. 

 The Candy Man waited, uncertain what course he should pursue. 

 "Please sit down, Mr. Reynolds. I should like to talk to you, now the opportunity has so unexpectedly offered." She regarded him still seriously, her hands clasped within her large muff. "I think you owe me an explanation." 

 "I am not sure I understand." The Candy Man's heart was beating in an absurd and disconcerting way, but he would keep his head and follow her lead. 

 "Of course you are aware that you allowed me to talk to you that morning in the park, in a—most unsuitable manner, without even——" 

 "How could I?" cried the Candy Man entreatingly. "I did not know." 

 "Did not know what?" demanded Miss Bentley sternly, as he hesitated. 

 "I thought perhaps—I was dreadfully lonely, you see, and I thought—it was preposterous—but I hoped you—don't you see?—didn't mind talking to an unknown Candy Man." 

 "Oh! was that it?" exclaimed Margaret Elizabeth in a tone difficult to interpret. Did she think it preposterous, or not? It seemed to indicate she found something preposterous. "Then you were disappointed in me," she added. 

 Never would the Candy Man admit such a thing. He had realised since then what a cad he must have seemed, but—— 

 "That, however, is neither here nor there," she 

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