?"

"You mean to say," exclaimed Rachel, considerably nettled, "that as a
woman, I am incapable of being rationally convinced!"

"The proverb does not only apply to women," said Ermine, coming to her
rescue; but Rachel, stung by the arch smile and slight bow of Captain
Keith, continued--"Let the proof be convincing, and I will meet it as
candidly as it is the duty of all reasonable beings to do. Only let me
first know what you mean to prove."

"The terms are these then, are they not, Miss Williams? I am to come
on Monday, February the 5th, prepared to test whether these designs are
what they profess to be, and Miss Curtis undertakes to be convinced by
that proof, provided it be one that should carry conviction to a clear,
unbiassed mind. I undertake, on the other hand, that if the said proof
should be effectual, a mythical personage called Simon Skinflint shall
become a supporter of the Female Union for Englishwomen's Employment."

Ho spoke with his own peculiar slowness and gravity, and Rachel,
uncertain whether he were making game of her or not, looked perplexed,
half on the defence, half gratified. The others were greatly amused, and
a great deal surprised at Alick's unwonted willingness to take trouble
in the matter. After a few moment's deliberation, Rachel said, "Well, I
consent, provided that my candour be met by equal candour on the other
side, and you will promise that if this ordeal succeeds, you will lay
aside all prejudice against Mauleverer."

A little demur as to the reasonableness of this stipulation followed,
but the terms finally were established. Mr. and Mrs. Grey, old family
friends, had long been engaged to spend the ensuing Monday at the
Homestead. The elder daughter, an old intimate of Grace's, had married
an Indian civil servant, whom Colonel Keith was invited to meet at
luncheon, and Captain Keith at dinner, and Alick was further to sleep
at Gowanbrae. Lady Temple, who was to have been of the party, was called
away, much to her own regret, by an appointment with the dentist of St.
Norbert's, who was very popular, and proportionately despotic, being
only visible at his own times, after long appointment. She would
therefore be obliged to miss Alick's ordeal, though as she said, when
Rachel--finding it vain to try to outstay so many--had taken her leave,
"I should much like to see how it will turn out. I do believe that there
is some difference in the colour of the ink in the middle and at the