This pulled the girl up a little, as if in parting with her secret she had parted with her all. "Something better?"
"If I help you, you know," Mrs. Gracedew explained, "you must help me."
"But how?"
"By a clear assurance." The charming woman's fine face now gave the real example of clearness. "That if Captain Yule should propose to you, you would unconditionally refuse him."
Cora flushed with the surprise of its being only that. "With my dying breath!"
Mrs. Gracedew scanned her robust vitality. "Will you make it even a promise?"
The girl looked about her in solid certainty. "Do you want me to sign———?"
Mrs. Gracedew was quick. "No, don't sign!"
Yet Cora was so ready to oblige. "Then what shall I do?"
Mrs. Gracedew turned away, but after a few vague steps faced her again. "Kiss me."
Cora flew to her arms, and the compact had scarce been sealed before the younger of the parties was already at the passage to the front. "We meet of course at the station."
Mrs. Gracedew thought. "If all goes well. But where shall you be meanwhile?"
