y once, or whether I met you every day. I am not going to pain you,
Miss Earle. Think kindly of me--I do not ask more; only remember that
living in this world there is one who would stand between you and all
peril--who would sacrifice his life for you. You will not forget?"

"I will not," said Beatrice, firmly. "Never could I forget such words.
I am willing to be your friend--I know how to value you."

"I shall be happier with your friendship than with the love of any
other woman," said Gaspar, gratefully.

Just then Lord Earle came and took Mr. Laurence away. Beatrice stood
where he had left her, half screened from sight by the luxuriant
foliage and magnificent flowers of a rare American plant. There was a
thoughtful, tender expression on her face that softened it into
wondrous beauty. She liked Gaspar, and was both pleased and sorry that
he loved her. Very pleasant was this delicious homage of
love--pleasant was it to know that strong, brave, gifted men laid all
they had in the world at her feet--to know that her looks, smiles, and
words moved them as nothing else could.

Yet she was sorry for Gaspar. It must be sad to give all one's love
and expect no return. She would be his friend, but she could never be
anything more. She could give him her sincere admiration and esteem,
but not her love.

The proud, beautiful lips quivered, and the bright eyes grew dim with
tears. No, not her love--that was given, and could never be recalled;
in all the wide world, from among all men's, Lord Airlie's face stood
out clear and distinct. Living or dying, Lord Earle's daughter knew
she could care for no other man.

She had taken in her hand one of the crimson flowers of the plant above
her, and seemed lost in contemplating it. She saw neither the blossom
nor the leaves. She was thinking of Lord Airlie's face, and the last
words he had said to her, when suddenly a shadow fell before her, and
looking up hastily, she saw him by her side. He appeared unlike
himself, pale and anxious.

"Beatrice," said he, "I must speak with you. Pray come with me, away
from all these people. I can bear this suspense no longer."

She looked at him, and would have refused; but she saw in his face that
which compelled obedience. For Lord Airlie had watched Gaspar
Laurence--he had watched the dance and the interview that followed it.
He saw the softened look on her face, and it half maddened him. For
the first time in his life Lo