t know that she was gazing at him. The question
interrupted her in a train of thought which was going on in her mind
even while she listened. She was asking herself why, when they were in
London, he had objected to a meeting between her and his mother. He had
said his mother was a crotchety old woman who could not make up her mind
to the changed circumstances, and was intensely prejudiced against women
above her own class. Was that a very convincing description? She had
accepted it at the time, but now, after reading this letter--? But could
any man speak with that voice and that look, and lie? Her agitation grew
intolerable. Answer she must; could she, could she say 'No' with truth?
Answer she must, for he waited. In the agony of striving for voice there
came upon her once more that dizziness of the morning, but in a more
severe form. She struggled, felt her breath failing, tried to rise, and
fell back unconscious.

At the same time Alice was sitting in the drawing-room, in conversation
with Mr. Willis Rodman. 'Arry having been invited for this evening,
Rodman was asked with him, as had been the case before. 'Arry was at
present amusing himself in the stables, exchanging sentiments with the
groom. Rodman sat near Alice, or rather he knelt upon a chair, so that
at any moment he could assume a standing attitude before her. He talked
in a low voice.

'You'll come out to-night?'

'No, not to-night. You must speak to him to-night.'

Rodman mused.

'Why shouldn't you?' resumed the girl eagerly, in a tone as unlike that
she used to Mr. Keene as well could be. She was in earnest; her eyes
never moved from her companion's face; her lips trembled. 'Why should
you put it off? I can't see why we keep it a secret. Dick can't have
a word to say against it; you know he can't. Tell him to-night after
dinner. Do! do!'

Rodman frowned in thought.

'He won't like it.'

'But why not? I believe he will. He will, he shall, he must! I'm not to
depend on him, surely?'

'A day or two more, Alice.'

'I can't keep up the shamming!' she exclaimed. 'Adela suspects, I feel
sure. Whenever you come in I feel that hot and red.' She laughed and
blushed. 'If you won't do as I tell you, I'll give you up, I will
indeed!'

Rodman stroked his moustache, smiling.

'You will, will you?'

'See if I don't. To-night! It must be to-night! Shall I call you a
pretty name? it's only because I couldn't bear to be found out before
you tell him.'