ppeared more handsome and striking than others
near, but only to sink again in disappointment when a second glance told
her that it was only some ordinary man. Kate, too, kept aloof in a very
unpleasant way, and Harry, devoting himself to Kate, had not done his
duty. But in spite of everything the party had been a great success,
and when it was over Maimie went straight to bed to sleep. She knew that
Ranald would be awaiting the answer to his note, but she could not bring
herself to face what she knew would be an ordeal that might murder sleep
for her, and sleep she must have, for she must be her best to-morrow. It
would have been better for all involved had she written her answer that
night; otherwise Ranald would not have been standing at her door in the
early afternoon asking to see her. It was Aunt Frances who came down
to the drawing-room. As Ranald stood up and bowed, she adjusted her
pince-nez upon her aristocratic nose, and viewed him.

"You are wishing to see Miss St. Clair," she said, in her very chilliest
tone.

"I asked to see Maimie," said Ranald, looking at her with cool, steady
eyes.

"I must say, Mr. Macdonald, that after your conduct to my brother
yesterday, I am surprised you should have the assurance to enter his
house."

"I would prefer not discussing office matters with you," said Ranald,
politely, and with a suspicion of a smile. "I have come to see Maimie."

"That, I am glad to say, is impossible, for she is at present out with
Captain De Lacy who has just arrived from the East to--see--to--in
short, on a very special errand."

For a moment Ranald stood without reply.

"She is out, you say?" he answered at length.

"She is out with Captain De Lacy." He caught the touch of triumph in her
voice.

"Will she be back soon?" inquired Ranald, looking baffled.

"Of course one cannot tell in such a case," answered Miss St. Clair,
"but I should think not." Miss St. Clair was enjoying herself. It did
her good to see this insolent, square-jawed young man standing helpless
before her.

"It is important that I should see her," said Ranald, after a few
moments' thought. "I shall wait." Had Miss St. Clair known him better
she would have noticed with some concern the slow fires kindling in his
eyes. As it was she became indignant.

"That, Mr. Macdonald, you shall not; and allow me to say frankly that
your boldness--your insolence--I may say, is beyond all bounds."

"Insolence, and when?" Ranald wa