ted, all this past winter, on his return to Paris; and
she became convinced that some misunderstanding, possibly some lover's
quarrel, was the cause of his protracted absence, and a cause that,
if ascertained, could be removed. A good opportunity now presented
itself--Colonel Morley was going to London the next day. He had business
there which would detain him at least a week. He would see Graham; and
as she considered her husband the shrewdest and wisest person in the
world--I mean of the male sex--she had no doubt of his being able
to turn Graham's mind thoroughly inside out, and ascertain his exact
feelings and intentions. If the Englishman, thus assayed, were found
of base metal, then, at least, Mrs. Morley would be free to cast him
altogether aside, and coin for the uses of the matrimonial market some
nobler effigy in purer gold.

"My dear child," said Mrs. Morley, in a low voice, nestling herself
close to Isaura, while the Colonel, duly instructed, drew off the
Venosta, "have you heard anything lately of our pleasant friend Mr.
Vane?"

You can guess with what artful design Mrs. Morley put that question
point-blank, fixing keen eyes on Isaura while she put it. She saw the
heightened colour, the quivering lip of the girl thus abruptly appealed
to, and she said inly: "I was right--she loves him!"

"I heard of Mr. Vane last night--accidentally."

"Is he coming to Paris soon?"

"Not that I know of. How charmingly that wreath becomes you! it suits
the earrings so well, too."

"Frank chose it; he has good taste for a man. I trust him with my
commissions to Hunt and Roskell's but I limit him as to price, he is
so extravagant--men are, when they make presents. They seem to think we
value things according to their cost. They would gorge us with jewels,
and let us starve for want of a smile. Not that Frank is so bad as the
rest of them. But a propos of Mr. Vane--Frank will be sure to see him,
and scold him well for deserting us all. I should not be surprised if he
brought the deserter back with him, for I send a little note by Frank,
inviting him to pay us a visit. We have spare rooms in our apartments."

Isaura's heart heaved beneath her robe, but she replied in a tone of
astonishing indifference: "I believe this is the height of the London
season, and Mr. Vane would probably be too engaged to profit even by an
invitation so tempting."

"Nous verrons. How pleased he will be to hear of your triumphs! He
admired you