erson to enact the part of lover, the prominent character of leading
young lady or heroine, which Paula was to personate, was really the most
satisfactory in the whole list for her. For although she was to be wooed
hard, there was just as much love-making among the remaining personages;
while, as Somerset had understood the play, there could occur no
flingings of her person upon her lover's neck, or agonized downfalls
upon the stage, in her whole performance, as there were in the parts
chosen by Mrs. Camperton, the major's wife, and some of the other
ladies.

'Why do you play at all!' he murmured.

'What a question! How could I refuse for such an excellent purpose? They
say that my taking a part will be worth a hundred pounds to the
charity. My father always supported the hospital, which is quite
undenominational; and he said I was to do the same.'

'Do you think the peculiar means you have adopted for supporting it
entered into his view?' inquired Somerset, regarding her with critical
dryness. 'For my part I don't.'

'It is an interesting way,' she returned persuasively, though apparently
in a state of mental equipoise on the point raised by his question. 'And
I shall not play the Princess, as I said, to any other than that quiet
young man. Now I assure you of this, so don't be angry and absurd!
Besides, the King doesn't marry me at the end of the play, as in
Shakespeare's other comedies. And if Miss De Stancy continues seriously
unwell I shall not play at all.'

The young man pressed her hand, but she gently slipped it away.

'Are we not engaged, Paula!' he asked. She evasively shook her head.

'Come--yes we are! Shall we tell your aunt?' he continued. Unluckily
at that moment Mrs. Goodman, who had followed them to the studio at a
slower pace, appeared round the doorway.

'No,--to the last,' replied Paula hastily. Then her aunt entered, and
the conversation was no longer personal.

Somerset took his departure in a serener mood though not completely
assured.

VIII.

His serenity continued during two or three following days, when,
continuing at the castle, he got pleasant glimpses of Paula now and
then. Her strong desire that his love for her should be kept secret,
perplexed him; but his affection was generous, and he acquiesced in that
desire.

Meanwhile news of the forthcoming dramatic performance radiated in every
direction. And in the next number of the county paper it was announced,
to Somerset'