t is what I want to speak to you about. Pigott
thinks that, under all the circumstances"--here Angela hesitated a
little--"she and I had better go to Madeira and find out how things
stand, and I almost think that she is right."

"Certainly," answered Mr. Fraser, rising and looking out of the
window. "You have a great deal at stake."

"You do not think that it would be immodest?"

"My dear Angela, when in such a case as this a woman goes to seek the
man she loves, and whom she believes loves her, I do not myself see
where there is room for immodesty."

"No, nor do I, and I do love him so very dearly; he is all my life to
me."

Mr. Fraser winced visibly.

"What is the matter? have you got a headache?"

"Nothing, only a twinge here," and he pointed to his heart.

Angela looked alarmed; she took a womanly interest in anybody's
ailments.

"I know what it is," she said. "Widow James suffers from it. You must
take it in hand at once, or it will become chronic after meals, as
hers is."

Mr. Fraser smiled grimly as he answered:

"I am afraid that I have neglected it too long--it has become chronic
already. But about Madeira; have you, then, made up your mind to go?"

"Yes, I think that I shall go. If he--is married, you know--I can
always come back again, and perhaps Pigott is right; the letter might
miscarry, and there is so much at stake."

"When shall you go, then?"

"By the next steamer, I suppose. They go every week, I think. I will
tell my father that I am going to-morrow."

"Ah! you will want money, I suppose."

"No, I believe that I have plenty of money of my own now."

"Oh! yes, under your marriage settlement, no doubt. Well, my dear, I
am sure I hope that your journey will not be in vain. Did I tell you I
have also written to Mr. Heigham by this mail, and told him all I knew
about the matter?"

"That is very kind and thoughtful of you; it is just like you,"
answered Angela, gently.

"Not at all, not at all; but you have never told me how you got on
with Lady Bellamy--that is, except what she told you about Mr.
Heigham."

"Oh! it was a strange interview. What do you think she wanted to teach
me?"

"I have not the faintest idea."

"Magic."

"Nonsense."

"Yes, she did; she told me that she could read all sorts of things in
my face, and offered, if I would give myself up to it, to make me more
than human."

"Pshaw! it was a bit of charlatanism; she wanted to frighten you."

"No, I thin