rmise proved correct, for even as she spoke the door
opened and Lettice appeared on the threshold. No longer the Lettice of
short skirts and flowing locks, but an elegant young lady who swept
forward with a rustle of silken skirts, and held up the sweetest pink
and white face in the world to receive her father's kiss of greeting.
"Lovely Lettice," indeed, lovelier than ever in the first bloom of
womanhood. As her father held her from him at arm's length, the slim
figure was almost as tall as his own, and the golden head dropped before
the grave, scrutinising glance. Lettice knew that her lover had called
during her absence, and Miss Carr's silence, her father's unusual
solemnity, added to her natural nervousness. The grey eyes roved from
one face to another with a scared, helpless look which they were quick
to understand.

"Yes," said Mr Bertrand, "we know all about it by this time, Lettice.
Mr Newcome has interviewed Miss Carr. She was intensely surprised; I
also; but she has had more opportunity of seeing you together, and she
tells me that you have shown no special signs of interest in this young
fellow. Tell me, my dear--speak frankly, we are only thinking of your
happiness--have you allowed yourself to be persuaded against your own
judgment? It is a pity if that is the case, but it can be remedied.
There is no engagement as yet, and I can easily explain to Mr Newcome
that you have made a mistake."

Lettice had seated herself opposite her father and busied herself
pulling off her long suede gloves. She avoided her father's glance, but
the answer came in a little, breathless gasp--"Oh, no, no! I don't
want--"

"No--you say _no_? Lettice, this is a serious matter. Do you mean to
tell me that you love Arthur Newcome, and wish to marry him? Think
well, my dear. You know what it means--that you are content to spend
your life with this man, to give up everything for him, to say good-bye
to friends and relations--"

"Father, Miss Carr is here; you are all coming up for the winter; he
lives here. I should not have to leave you!"

"You can't count on that, Lettice. Mr Newcome's business arrangements
might make it necessary for him to leave London at any time, and it
would be your duty to follow. Do you care for him enough to make such a
sacrifice? If you love him you will not hesitate; but _do_ you love
him? That is what I want to hear! Come, Lettice, speak; I am waiting
for your answer."

"I--I--f