n be very firm
when he likes, not to say obstinate."

Mr. Vernon listened to the musical voice, and looked at the slim,
girlish figure and spirituelle face absently; and when there fell a
silence he showed no disposition to break it. It was difficult to find
anything to talk about with so young and inexperienced a girl, and it
was almost with an air of relief that he turned as Mrs. Lorton entered.

"And how do you feel now?" she asked, with bated breath. "Weak and
faint, I'm afraid. I know how exhausting one feels the first time of
getting down. Eleanor, I do hope you have not been tiring Mr. Vernon by
talking too much."

Mr. Vernon struggled with a frown.

"Miss Lorton has scarcely said two words," he said. "I assure you, my
dear madame, that there is absolutely nothing the matter with me, and
that--that I could stand a steam phonograph."

"I am so glad!" simpered Mrs. Lorton. "I have brought this week's
_Society News_. I thought it might amuse you if I read some of the
paragraphs--Eleanor, I think you might read them. Don't you think
indolence is one of the greatest sins of the day, Mr. Vernon?" she broke
off to inquire.

Vernon smiled grimly, and glanced at Nell, who colored under the amused
expression in his eyes.

"I dare say it is," he said. "Speaking for myself, I can honestly say
that I never do anything unless I am compelled."

Nell laughed, her short, soft laugh; but Mrs. Lorton was not at all
discomfited.

"That is all very well for a man, though I am sure you do yourself an
injustice, Mr. Vernon; but for a young girl! I think you will find
something interesting on the third page, under the heading of 'Doings of
the Elite,' Eleanor."

Nell took the paper--the journal she especially detested, and Dick never
failed to mock at--and glanced at Mr. Vernon; but he looked straight
before him, down at the jetty below; and, not shyly, but, with a kind of
resignation, she began:

"'Lord and Lady Bullnoze have gone on a visit to the Countess of
Crowntires. Her ladyship is staying at the family seat, Cromerspokes,
which is famous for its old oak and stained glass. It is not generally
known that Lady Crowntires inherited this princely estate from her aunt,
the Duchess of Bogshire.'"

"A most beautiful place," commented Mrs. Lorton. "I've seen a photograph
of it--a private photograph."

Nell looked appealingly and despairingly at Mr. Vernon, but his face was
perfectly impassive; and, smothering a sigh, sh