irst days of his
engagement to Cynthia. He had not been tongue-tied and foolish then;
he had not needed to be reminded that it was usual to kiss a girl when
you were engaged to her; he--oh, confound it!

Christine had gone for her hat and coat.

"Mother is not at all well," she said anxiously when she came back.
"Do you know, Jimmy, I have thought sometimes lately that she really
isn't so well and strong as she tries to make me believe."

Jimmy was not impressed; he said that he thought Mrs. Wyatt looked A1;
not a day older than when she had mothered him down at Upton House all
those years ago. Christine was pleased; she adored her mother; she was
quite happy as they left the hotel together.

"You choose what you like," he told her when they were in the
jeweller's shop. The man behind the counter thought him the most
casual lover he had ever yet served. He looked at Christine with a
sort of pity; she was so eager and happy. He brought another tray of
diamond rings.

Christine appealed to Jimmy Challoner.

"I would much rather you chose one for me. Which one would you like
best?"

He shook his head.

"I don't mind--anything you like; you've got to wear it." He saw a
little swift look of amazement in her eyes; he roused himself.

"Diamonds are nice," he said with more enthusiasm.

Christine chose a single stone; the ring just fitted, and she turned
her little hand about delightedly to show Jimmy how the diamond flashed.

She felt as if she were walking on air as they left the shop. Now and
then she glanced at Jimmy as if afraid that she had dreamed all this.

She had loved him all her life; she was sure that he, too, must have
loved her, or he would never have asked her to be his wife.

They had tea together. Over the buttered muffins Jimmy said suddenly:

"Christine, why can't we get married--soon, I mean!"

Lovely colour dyed her face.

"But--but we've only just got engaged," she said breathlessly.

"I know; but engagements are always short nowadays. If you are
willing----"

Apparently she was more than willing; she would have married him that
minute had he suggested it, She said she must speak to her mother about
it.

"There is your brother to tell, too," she said.

"I cabled to him this morning," Jimmy answered.

"Did you!" Her eyes brightened. "How sweet of you, Jimmy. Do you
think he will be pleased?"

"He's never pleased about anything," said Jimmy with a little laugh.

He