the Channel to the fair Maxine, without anyone being
the wiser."

"Why shouldn't he slip, or slide, or steam, or sail in a balloon, if he
likes?" laughed Di, but not happily. "You're looking much better, Lisa.
You've quite a colour now. Do you feel strong enough to go upstairs?"

"I would rather rest here for awhile, since you think Lord Mountstuart
is sure not to come," said I. "These pillows are so comfortable. Then
perhaps, by and by, I shall feel able to go back to the den, and watch
the dancing. I should like to keep up, if I can, for I know I shan't
sleep, and the night will seem so long."

"Very well," said Di, speaking kindly, though I knew she would have
liked to shake me. "I'm afraid I shall have to run away now, for my
partner will think me so rude. What about supper?"

"Oh, I don't want any. And I shall have gone upstairs before that," I
interrupted. "Go now, I don't need you any more."

"Ring, and send for me if you feel badly again."

"Yes--yes."

By this time she was at the door, and there she turned with a remorseful
look in her eyes, as if she had been unkind and was sorry. "Even if you
don't send, I shall come back by and by, when I can, to see how you
are," she said. Then she was gone, and I nestled deeper into the sofa
cushions, with the feeling that my head was so heavy, it must weigh down
the pillows like a stone.

"She was afraid of missing Number 13 with Ivor," I said to myself.
"Well--she's welcome to it now. I don't think she'll enjoy it much--or
let him. Oh, I hope they'll quarrel. I don't think I'd mind anything, if
only I was sure they'd never be nearer to each other. I wish Di would
marry Lord Robert. Perhaps then Ivor would turn to me. Oh, my God, how I
hate her--and all beautiful girls, who spoil the lives of women like
me."

A shivering fit shook me from head to feet, as I guessed that the time
must be coming for Number 13. They were together, perhaps. What if, in
spite of all, Ivor should tell Di how he loved her, and they should be
engaged? At that thought, I tried to bring on a heart attack, and die;
for at least it would chill their happiness if, when Lady Mountstuart's
ball was over, I should be found lying white and dead, like Elaine on
her barge. I was holding my breath, with my hand pressed over my heart
to feel how it was beating, when the door opened suddenly, and I heard a
voice speaking.

CHAPTER II

LISA LISTENS

Someone turned up the light. "I'll le