sign.--I thought you were just
good friends."

A gleam shone into Grizel's eyes; an impish gleam. Her red lips curled.

"Martin would have _jumped_ at me, any time during the last five years!
I had only to lift a finger; but it suited me to wait. I had my old
Buddy, and I knew he would be there, waiting for me, whenever I was
ready."

Katrine's glance was full of wounded dignity.

"You may be right. Probably you are. I begin to think I am very dense,
but I don't think, Grizel, you ought to have _said_ so!"

"Oh, be hanged to it, _not_ of course I shouldn't, but it was your
fault! You insinuated that he didn't care, and I won't be insinuated!
He did--he does--he will, he always shall!" cried Grizel belabouring the
table with a startling vigour. "And I'll kill you dead this moment if
you dare to doubt it! For pity's sake, Katrine, be _nice_!"

"I _am_ nice, and I'm sorry. I was jealous, and just for the moment I
snapped, but I won't do it again. I _did_ suspect during that last
visit, and I know he cares, but I was afraid that Lady Griselda's will
might come between you. It's a difficult position for Martin."

"It's difficult for Me, but--" Grizel shrugged, "what can't be cured
must be endured! I'm bound to have Martin, so I shall have to put up
with being poor, but I am not coming to this house, Katrine. It's too
dull and dark, and full of sad old thoughts. Martin will have to find a
new one for me. It will be a good thing. Keep him quiet while he is
waiting."

Katrine stared blankly. The news of the new home hit her like a fresh
blow, removing as it did another landmark in the familiar life. Despite
all her efforts to rejoice unselfishly, a feeling of unutterable
loneliness possessed her.

"And when will you be--?"

"Married? In three or four months, I suppose; probably January. I am
leaving the town house at once, and going on a round of visits; Martin
will join me sometimes, and be introduced to my friends. Then there'll
be the _trousseau_! Won't it be _great_, Katrine, choosing one's
_trousseau_ for such a scrumptious man?"

It was all settled! Grizel had dictated, and Martin had agreed. That
one eventful interview had settled it all. Nothing remained to be
arranged but that one insignificant problem, her own future. Katrine
tasted the bitterness of loneliness; her strained glance met Grizel's,
soft with understanding love.

"I know!" she said quickly. "It's hard on you. Mart