nk that a few buffets from
the world might rather be of service to him; but as it is I don't
understand at all how he has got himself into such a position--or been
entrapped into it; you see, I don't know Miss Burgoyne very well--"

"Miss Burgoyne?" she repeated, doubtfully.

"Miss Burgoyne of the New Theatre."

Then Mangan watched his companion, timidly and furtively--which was a
strange thing for him, for ordinarily his deep-set gray eyes were
singularly intense and sincere.

"Perhaps I ought to tell you at once," he said, slowly, "that--that--the
fact is, Lionel is engaged to be married to Miss Burgoyne."

"Lionel--engaged to be married?" she said, quickly, and she looked up.
He met her eyes and read them; surely there was nothing there other than
a certain pleased curiosity; she had forgotten that this engagement
might be the cause of her cousin's trouble; she only seemed to think it
odd that Linn was about to be married.

"Yes; and now I am afraid he regrets his rashness, and is in terrible
trouble over it--or perhaps that is only one of several things. Well, I
had made other forecasts for him," Mangan went on to say, with a little
hesitation. "I could have imagined another future for him. Indeed, at
one time, I thought that if ever he looked out for a wife it would be--a
little nearer home--"

Her eyes were swiftly downcast; but the next instant she had bravely
raised them and was regarding him.

"Do you mean me, Mr. Mangan?" she asked.

He did not answer; he left her to understand. Miss Francie shook her
head, and there was a slight smile on her lips.

"No, no," she said. "That was never possible at any time. Where was your
clear sight, Mr. Mangan? Of course I am very fond of Linn; I have been
so all my life; and there's nothing I wouldn't do to save him trouble or
pain. But even a stupid country girl may form her ideal--and in my case
Lionel never came anywhere near to that. I know he is good and generous
and manly--he is quite wonderful, considering what he has come through;
but on the other hand--well--oh, well, I'm not going to say anything
against Linn--I will not."

"I am sure you will not," said Mangan, quietly; and here they reached
the station.

The parcel had not arrived; there was nothing for it but to retrace
their steps; and on their way across the common they returned to Lionel
and his wretched plight.

"Surely," said Miss Francie, with a touch of indication in her
voice--"surely, i