will see that, although she was proud of me, it was
the pride of ignorance. This is what our clergyman, Mr. Walker, says,
and he is right."

Franks read the few words of the postscript.

"I suppose he is right," he answered. He looked full at the girl and
half-smiled.

"It would be extremely successful if you would do a paper in a _totally_
different tone," he said; "could you not try?"

"I cannot give what is not in me."

"Well, have a good try. Choose your own subject. Let me have the very
best you can. I must not stay any longer now. The story at least will
reach me in good time?"

"Yes, and I think you will like it rather better than the last.
Good-bye," said Florence.

He held her hand lingeringly for a moment, and looked into her face. As
he went downstairs he thought a good deal about her. She interested him.
If he married, he would as soon have clever and original Florence Aylmer
for his wife as any other woman he had ever met.

He was just leaving the house when he came face to face with Trevor.
Maurice was hurrying into the house as Franks was going out. The
sub-editor of the _Argonaut_ started when he saw Trevor.

"Hallo," he said, "who would have thought to see you here? How are you?"

"Quite well, thank you."

"I imagined you to be in the country safe with that kind old lady who is
feathering your nest."

"I don't think that will come off, Franks; but I do not feel inclined to
discuss it. I have come up to town to see Miss Aylmer. How is she?"

"Quite well, or, rather, no: I don't think she is very well. I have just
seen her. What a wonderfully clever girl she is!"

"So it seems," said Trevor, in a somewhat impatient tone. "Is she in?"

"Yes; I have just come from her."

"Then I won't detain you now." Trevor ran upstairs, and Franks went
quickly back to his office.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

TREVOR PROPOSES TO FLORENCE.

Trevor's vigorous knock came upon Florence's door. She did not know why
her heart leapt, nor why the colour came into her cheeks. She had been
feeling indifferent to all the world a moment before. Now she was
suddenly eager and full of interest.

She crossed the room and opened the door wide. When she saw Trevor she
uttered an exclamation and her eyes shone.

"Is it possible that you have come?" she said. "How are you? Won't you
come in?"

He took her hand.

"Yes, I have come," he answered. "Can you give me a little time, or are
you too busy?"

"I am never bu