course she had adopted.

Entering the library, she carefully wrote a little note to Captain
Bland, and then went in search of Mrs. Lansing.

"I think I'll go over to Susan's for the week-end," she announced. "I
promised her another visit, and now I can explain that I'm going away
with you."

Mrs. Lansing made no objection, and three or four days afterward Sylvia
met Bland at Mrs. Kettering's house. He arrived after her, and as
there were other guests, she had to wait a little while before she
could get a word with him alone. She was standing in the big hall,
which was unoccupied, rather late in the evening, when he came toward
her.

"I thought I should never escape from Kettering; but he's safe for a
while, talking guns in the smoking-room," he said.

Sylvia thought that they would be safe from interruption for a few
minutes, which would serve her purpose.

"So you have managed to get here," she said.

"Had you any doubt of my succeeding?" Bland asked reproachfully.
"Kettering once gave me a standing invitation, and, as it happens,
there's a famous horse dealer in this neighborhood with whom I've had
some business. That and the few Sunday trains formed a good excuse.
I, however, don't mind in the least if Mrs. Kettering attaches any
significance to the visit."

Sylvia did not wish to arouse the suspicions of her hostess, but she
smiled.

"I expected you, and I'm glad you came," she said.

"That's very nice to hear."

"Don't take too much for granted. Still, I thought I'd like to see
you, because I'm going to Egypt with Muriel for some time. Indeed, I
shall not be back until the spring."

The man displayed dismayed surprise, and Sylvia waited for his answer
with some eagerness. She did not wish to enter into a formal
engagement--it was a little too early to make an announcement yet--but
she thought it wise to bind him in some degree before she left.

"Until the spring?" he broke out. "You expect me to let you go?"

"You must," said Sylvia firmly, and added in a softer voice, "I'm
rather sorry."

He saw that he could not shake her decision.

"Then we must have a clear understanding," he rejoined hotly. "You
know I want you--when is this waiting to end? Tell me now, and let me
tell all who care to hear, that you belong to me."

Sylvia made a gesture of protest and coquettishly looked down.

"You must still have patience," she murmured; "the time will soon pass."

"And then?" he asked wi