There was a note of quaint raillery in his voice. He did not try to draw
her to him. Yet she was conscious of a strength that did battle with her
half-instinctive aversion--a strength that might have compelled, but
preferred to attract.

Unwillingly, at length, she looked at him, meeting his eyes,
good-humouredly critical, watching her.

"I am not frightened," she said, with an effort. "It's only that--just
at first--till I get used to it--it feels rather strange."

There was unconscious pleading in her voice. He took his hand from her
shoulder, looking at her with his queer, speculative smile.

"I don't want to hustle you any," he said. "But if that's all the
trouble, I guess I know a remedy."

Violet drew back sharply.

"Oh, no!" she said. "No!"

She was terrified for the moment lest he should desire to put his remedy
to the test. But he made no movement in her direction, and another sort
of misgiving assailed her.

"Don't be vexed," she said unsteadily. "I--I know I'm despicable. But I
shall get over it--if you will give me time."

"Bless your heart, I'm not vexed," said Kenyon. "I'm only wondering,
don't you know, how you brought yourself to say 'Yes' to me. But no
matter, dear. I'm grateful all the same."

He held out his hand to her, and she laid hers nervously within it. She
could not meet his eyes any longer.

Kenyon stooped and put his lips to her cold fingers.

"Jove!" he said softly. "I'm in luck to-day."

And after that he sat down again, and began to behave like an ordinary
visitor.

III

"Great Scotland!" said Jerry.

He looked up from a letter, and gazed at his sister with starting eyes.

"Oh, what?" she exclaimed in alarm.

He sprang up impetuously, and went round the table to her. They were
breakfasting in the tiny flat which was theirs for but three short
months longer.

"Guess!" he said. "No, don't! I can't wait. It's the family luck, old
girl, turned at last! It's the original gorgeous chance again with a
practical dead certainty pushing behind. It's the Winhalla Railway
turning up trumps just in time."

And, with a whoop that might have been heard from garret to basement,
Jerry swept his sister from her chair, and waltzed her giddily round the
little room till she cried breathlessly for mercy.

"Oh, but do tell me!" she gasped, when he set her down again. "I want to
understand, Jerry. Don't be so mad. Tell me exactly what has happened!"

"I'll tell you," said Jer