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a serviceable travelling dress of black and white check. She
looked a very competent governess. Philip was silent too, for
he did not quite know what to say that would fit the circum-
stance; and he was terribly afraid that, if he said something
flippant, Miss Wilkinson would break down before his un-
cle and make a scene. They had said their last good-bye to
one another in the garden the night before, and Philip was
relieved that there was now no opportunity for them to be
alone. He remained in the dining-room after breakfast in
case Miss Wilkinson should insist on kissing him on the
stairs. He did not want Mary Ann, now a woman hard upon
middle age with a sharp tongue, to catch them in a com-
promising position. Mary Ann did not like Miss Wilkinson
and called her an old cat. Aunt Louisa was not very well
and could not come to the station, but the Vicar and Philip
saw her off. Just as the train was leaving she leaned out and
kissed Mr. Carey.
‘I must kiss you too, Philip,’ she said.
‘All right,’ he said, blushing.
He stood up on the step and she kissed him quickly. The
train started, and Miss Wilkinson sank into the corner of
her carriage and wept disconsolately. Philip, as he walked
back to the vicarage, felt a distinct sensation of relief.
‘Well, did you see her safely off?’ asked Aunt Louisa,
when they got in.
‘Yes, she seemed rather weepy. She insisted on kissing me
and Philip.’
‘Oh, well, at her age it’s not dangerous.’ Mrs. Carey point-
ed to the sideboard. ‘There’s a letter for you, Philip. It came

Of Human Bondage