am glad you will think it over. We
can be married soon, for I have a good income. I want you to clearly
understand that as my wife you continue writing. I want to lead you
forth as one of the most brilliant women before the world. I can train
you: will you submit to my training?"

Florence shivered slightly.

"I will let you know to-morrow," she said.

"Come, let us go and have supper," said Franks. He jumped up abruptly,
offered Florence his arm, and took her into the supper-room.

The party broke up soon afterwards. Mrs. Trevor had no opportunity of
seeing Florence, or, rather, she would not give herself an opportunity.

Mrs. Simpson shook hands with the young literary _debutante_ with marked
favour. Florence looked prettier than anyone had ever seen her look
before. Franks took his sister and Florence home to their flat. As he
parted from the latter, he ventured to give her hand a slight squeeze.

"I will call to-morrow morning," he said. "Can I see you before I go to
my work?"

"Yes," said Florence; "I shall be at home at"--she paused a
moment--"nine o'clock," she said somewhat eagerly.

"What! a rendezvous so early?" exclaimed Edith, with a laugh. Franks
laughed also.

"Quite so, Edith," he said; "we are all busy people, and have no time to
waste. This is merely a business arrangement between Miss Aylmer and
myself."

"All right, Tom; I am sure I'm not going to interfere," said Edith.
"Good-night. Come in, Miss Aylmer; it is very cold standing out in the
street."

The girls entered the house, and went up to their respective rooms.
Fires were burning brightly in each and the doors stood open.

"You will come into my room and have cocoa, will you not?" said Edith to
Florence.

"No, thank you; not to-night."

Edith looked full at her.

"Has Tom proposed to you?" she said suddenly.

"I don't know why you should ask me that question."

"Your face answers me. You will be a fool if you accept him. He is not
the man to make any woman happy. Don't tell him that I said it; but he
is cold through and through. Only one woman, poor Lucy Leigh, who died
before she was twenty, ever touched his heart. What heart he had is in
her grave: you will never kindle it into life. Take him if you wish for
success, but do not say that I never warned you."

Edith went into her room and slammed the door somewhat noisily behind
her. Florence entered hers. The late post had brought a letter--one
letter. She started when