and in the library. I presume," consulting her
watch, "he is waiting for me at this moment."

Doctor Heath had been standing a few feet from her, hat in hand; now,
and in spite of this implied dismissal, he coolly deposited his hat upon
the table beside Miss Wardour's package, and advanced nearer to that
young lady, speaking calmly, gently even, but without the slightest
touch of entreaty, penitence, or humility of any sort in his manner or
voice.

"Miss Wardour, pardon me for alluding to it, but I would be blind indeed
not to see that something has annoyed you exceedingly. Indeed, I could
almost fancy that, in some way, I have become the cause of your
displeasure; if this is so, tell me how I have been so unfortunate as to
offend?"

Now this was a very pacific and proper speech, and uttered in the right
spirit. But had its effect been salutary, then Doctor Heath would stand
alone, the first, last, and only man who ever yet attempted to argue
with, reason with, or pacify an angry woman without blundering
egregiously in the beginning, and coming out worsted at the end. There
are a _few_ things in this world that mortal man can't compass, and to
attempt to pour oil on the waves of a woman's wrath when they are just
at the boiling point, and ready to overflow their confines, is like
sitting down on a bunch of fire-crackers to prevent their going off. Let
the water boil over, and there will still be enough left to brew you a
cup of tea. Let the crackers explode, and you may sit down on them with
impunity.

Dear brethren, the moral is homely.

How had he offended? That he should ask the question, was the acme of
his offense. As if she could tell how he had offended. Was there ever so
impertinent a question and questioner? "How had he been so _unfortunate_
as to offend?" Any other man would have said "unhappy," whether he meant
it or not, but this man, oh! he would not even _look_ a culprit.

She raised her haughty head a trifle higher, as high as it could be; she
drew back as many steps as he had advanced; the room had become a
refrigerator.

"Doctor Heath flatters himself; in what manner _could_ he offend me?"

[Illustration: "Doctor Heath flatters himself."]

Still he retains his composure, not guessing at the truth.

"I have never presumed Miss Wardour, therefore can not have flattered
myself. I _may_ have offended by coming one moment too late with this
packet. Miss Wardour is accustomed to unqualified obedie