but did not discuss the matter, with the result that
Lady Thompson's opinion of the Hon. Charles Russell was confirmed. Was
it not clear that there had been no proposal, although it was equally
clear that he ought to have proposed? Poor Barbara! Perhaps this was the
only act of deception of which she was ever guilty.

So things went on until the previous day, the Monday after their arrival
in London, when, most unhappily, Lady Thompson went out to lunch and met
the Hon. Charles Russell, who was on leave in England.

Next morning, while Barbara was engaged in arranging some flowers in the
drawing-room, who should be shown in but Mr. Russell. In her alarm
she dropped a bowl and broke it, a sign that he evidently considered
hopeful, setting it down to the emotion which his sudden presence
caused. To emotion it was due, indeed, but not of a kind he would have
wished. Recovering herself, Barbara shook his hand and then told the
servant who was picking up the pieces of the bowl to inform her ladyship
of the arrival of this morning caller.

The man bowed and departed, and as he went Barbara noticed an ominous
twinkle in the pleasant blue eyes of the Hon. Charles Russell.

The rest of the interview may be summed up in a few words. Mr. Russell
was eloquent, passionate and convincing. He assured Barbara that she was
the only woman he had ever loved with such force and conviction that in
the end she almost believed him. But this belief, if it existed, did not
in the least shake her absolutely definite determination to have nothing
whatsoever to do with her would-be lover.

Not until she had told him so six times, however, did he consent to
believe her, for indeed he had been led to expect a very different
answer.

"I suppose you care for someone else," he said at last.

"Yes," said Barbara, whose back, metaphorically, was against the wall.

"Somebody much more--suitable."

"No," said Barbara, "he is poor and not distinguished and has all his
way to make in the world."

"He might change his mind, or--die."

"If so, I should not change mine," said Barbara. "Very likely I shall
not marry him, but I shall not marry anyone else."

"In heaven's name, why not?"

"Because it would be a sacrilege against heaven."

Then at last Mr. Russell understood.

"Allow me to offer you my good wishes and to assure you of my earnest
and unalterable respect," he said in a somewhat broken voice, and taking
her hand he touched it lightly