ertone of jealousy in Lady Howel's voice---jealousy
excited not altogether without a motive. She had left it to Beaucourt's
sense of honor to own the truth, if there had been any love affair in
his past life which ought to make him hesitates before he married.
He had justified Miss Dulane's confidence in him; acknowledging an
attachment to a young widow, and adding that she had positively refused
him. "We have not met since," he said, "and we shall never meet again."
Under those circumstances, Miss Dulane had considerately abstained from
asking for any further details. She had not thought of the young widow
again, until Dick's language had innocently inspired her first doubt.
Fortunately for both of them, he was an outspoken man; and he reassured
her unreservedly in these words: "Your husband knows nothing about it."

"Now," she said, "you may tell me how you came to hear of the lady."

"Through my uncle's library," Dick replied. "His will has left me his
collection of books--in such a wretchedly neglected condition that
I asked Beaucourt (not being a reading man myself) if he knew of
any competent person who could advise me how to set things right. He
introduced me to Farleigh & Halford, the well-known publishers. The
second partner is a book collector himself, as well as a bookseller. He
kindly looks in now and then, to see how his instructions for mending
and binding are being carried out. When he called yesterday I thought of
you, and I found he could help us to a young lady employed in his office
at correcting proof sheets."

"What is the lady's name?"

"Mrs. Evelin."

"Why does she leave her employment?"

"To save her eyes, poor soul. When the senior partner, Mr. Farleigh, met
with her, she was reduced by family misfortunes to earn her own living.
The publishers would have been only too glad to keep her in their
office, but for the oculist's report. He declared that she would run the
risk of blindness, if she fatigued her weak eyes much longer. There is
the only objection to this otherwise invaluable person--she will not be
able to read to you."

"Can she sing and play?"

"Exquisitely. Mr. Farleigh answers for her music."

"And her character?"

"Mr. Halford answers for her character."

"And her manners?"

"A perfect lady. I have seen her and spoken to her; I answer for her
manners, and I guarantee her personal appearance. Charming--charming!"

For a moment Lady Howel hesitated. After a little refle