repugnant. Before the obvious
admiration of the black eyes she stiffened in displeasure.

"You wished to see me?"

"Miss Gifford, I believe! I called about a little matter of a parcel
for Miss Rhodes. To be sent on. I wanted to ask if you--"

"Oh, certainly! I shall be delighted."

Claire thawed at the prospect of a present for Cecil, but could it be
possible that it was this man with the flushed cheeks, and harsh,
uncultivated voice, who had so revolutionised Cecil's life! Could it be
for the delectation of those bold eyes that she had worked far into the
night, contriving her pitiful fineries? Claire's instinctive dislike
was so strong that she would not seat herself and so give an opportunity
for prolonging the interview; she crossed the room to a bureau that
stood in the corner, and took a slip of paper from one of the pigeon-
holes.

"Perhaps it would be simpler if I gave you the address?"

The man laughed complacently.

"No need, thank you, I've got it all right, but it's safer not to write.
The old lady, you know! Parcel coming in for her daughter addressed in
a man's writing--no end of fuss and questioning. You know what old
ladies are! Never satisfied till they've ferreted to the bottom of
everything that comes along. It's not good enough, that sort of thing,
but she'll expect a present. It's all stamped and made up, if you'll be
good enough just to address it, and slip it into the post to-morrow."

He put his hand in his pocket as he spoke and drew out a little package
some two inches square, the sort of package which might contain an
article of jewellery, such as a brooch or ring. Could it by any chance
be an engagement ring? Claire's blood shuddered as she took the little
packet and dropped it quietly on the bureau.

"Certainly I will post it. Do you wish it registered?"

He looked at her sharply as though suspicious of an under-meaning to the
inquiry, then, meeting the glance of her clear eyes, had the grace to
look ashamed.

"N-no. No! It is not worth while. A trifle, just a trifle--Christmas,
you know--must do the proper thing!" He mumbled vaguely the while he
collected his hat and gloves, the aloofness in Claire's attitude making
it impossible to prolong the interview; but as he held out his hand in
farewell, his self-possession returned. He laughed meaningly, and
said--

"Odd, you know; I imagined that you were quite old! Miss Rhodes gave me
that impression. Nothing