nly watching the effect of her words the while.

"I do wonder at a girl of your spirit wearing your heart out for the
sake of a scoundrel. That's done it!" she added to herself, for a
complete change came over Myra's aspect.

"Aunt!" she cried indignantly.

"I can't help it, my dear," said the old lady sharply. "I've kept it
back too long, and it's only just that I should tell you how
reprehensible your conduct is. Here is a wretched man who professes to
love you--"

"Malcolm Stratton did love me, aunt," said Myra proudly, as stung beyond
endurance she gave utterance to the thoughts she had kept hidden so
long.

"Looks like it!" continued Aunt Jerrold. "Bah! the horsepond is too
good for such as he!"

Myra turned upon her fiercely.

"Aunt," she cried, "it is not true!"

"But it is true, my dear, or the wretch would have said a few words in
his defence."

"I cannot stay here and listen to you, aunt," cried Myra, rising with
dignity. "It is cruel of you to speak of Mr Stratton like this."

"Oh, of course. Silly girl! The worse a man is, the more weak,
infatuated woman defends him."

"I defend him, aunt, because I am sure there must be some good reasons
for Mr Stratton's conduct. He was not the man who could have acted so.
His whole career gives your charges the lie."

At that moment Edie and Guest returned, the former joyous and bright,
but forcing a serious look as soon as she saw her cousin's agitated
face.

"I am waiting for you, Edie," said Myra coldly; and, turning to her
aunt, she bent her head slightly. "Good-afternoon, Mr Guest," she
said, and she left the drawing room.

"Aunt, dear, what is the matter?" whispered Edie.

"We've been quarrelling, my dear; thank goodness!" said Miss Jerrold
dryly. "There, good-bye. Run after her, little woman. Kiss me; I
haven't quarrelled with you."

She embraced the girl affectionately; and as Guest followed to the door,
and held out his hand, Miss Jerrold whispered:

"Come up again when you've seen them to the carriage."

In five minutes Guest was back looking at his hostess wonderingly, for
the old lady was standing in the middle of the room with her face full
of wrinkles, and her arms folded across her chest. She did not seem to
see him, and he made a slight movement to attract her attention, when
she waved her hand toward a chair.

"Sit down, boy," she said, without looking in his direction; "I'm
thinking. I'll attend to you directly."