w Malcolm Stratton as I do," he said sadly. "He has
never mentioned Miss Myra Jerrold's name--"

"Mrs Dale's or Barron's," said the lady sternly, but Guest shook his
head.

"Since the wedding day, but if I know anything of my friend she has
never since been out of his thoughts."

The tears started to Miss Jerrold's eyes.

"Poor boy," she said sadly. "But he must not think of her. My brother
had certain thoughts about getting the marriage cancelled, but Myra will
not hear of it."

"Surely she does not care for this man?"

"I don't know, my dear boy. She is a mystery to me. I tried to talk to
her several times when I was near, but she closed my lips at once. I am
nobody now. I can pretty well manage her father, but--who in the world
can this be?" she cried hastily. "I'm not at home."

She rose to ring the bell, but there were steps already on the stairs,
and the servant, looking a little startled, opened the door.

"Mr Stratton, ma'am. He says--"

Stratton was already at the door, looking pale, but with a red spot
burning in each cheek.

"You here, Guest!" he said excitedly. "Miss Jerrold, pray ask your
niece to see me, if only for a minute."

"My niece, Mr Stratton," said the old lady coldly, "is in Paris."

"No, no," he cried. "They reached Charing Cross not half an hour ago."

"Stratton, old man," whispered Guest, "for goodness sake, contain
yourself. Indeed they are not here."

"Hah!" cried Stratton excitedly as a cab drew up to the door; and he
grasped how he had, in his excitement, outstripped with a fast hansom
the slow four-wheeled cab; and without giving aunt or friend another
thought he dashed downstairs and out to the cab door.

Myra was looking eagerly up at the house as the front door opened, and
Edie heard her give a hoarse gasp as she shrank back into the corner of
the seat with her face convulsed by a spasm at the unexpected sight of
Stratton.

It was only momentary. By the time he reached the cab door, flung it
open, and held out his hand, she had drawn herself up, and it was a
calm, dignified, graceful woman of the world who gave the trembling man
her hand to help her to alight.

"Ah, Mr Stratton," she said, and her voice thrilled him, "I did not
expect to see you here. I hope you have quite recovered from your
illness. Thanks. Mr Guest too. Yes, you may take my wrappers. Ah,
there is aunt. Aunt dear, we have taken you quite by storm. Papa had
letters yesterday w