true
gold for counterfeit obtruded itself. "We are good enough for each
other," said she, simply, "but, at present, his prospects are so
discouraging, that we are not even engaged." A curious expression passed
over Fane's face. "But I have money enough for both," pursued Cecil, "and
if papa is not dazzled and attracted by more brilliant--by you, in short,
he must see there is sufficient, and, if I remain firm, eventually
consent."

Her extreme eagerness infected Fane too, and relieved the awkwardness of
her strange appeal.

"Still afraid of me!" said he, sadly. "My poor child! I fear there is
trouble before you. Will it satisfy you if I get six months' leave, and
go to England? By that time, perhaps, your complications may have
arranged themselves."

Cecil's dark eyes beamed on him with the most speaking gratitude. "You
_are_ a true friend," cried she, warmly, "but how selfish and exacting of
me to banish you!"

"Oh, as to that," said he, with a short laugh, "I shall not dislike it.
I should have got away long ago if I had known what I do now."

Nothing a woman detests so much as friendship from the man she cares for,
and yet she always offers it to the suitor she rejects.

"I never thought you would care really," said she softly "I hope I have
not lost my friend by putting too much confidence in him."

"I ought to thank you for your honesty," said he, with a reaction to
bitterness, and they rose and returned to the others, met by many a
significant look and shrug. Fane observed it, and determined to go. He
was in no humour to be watched and commented on as a suitor of Cecil's.
His dog-cart hadn't come, but he lit a cigar, and walked to meet it. "So
that's settled," thought he. "And now the sooner I get out of this horrid
country the better. I wish I hadn't refused a share of that moor; I
should have been just in time for it. Well, she is a nice girl--far too
good for that scamp, Du Meresq. I might have suspected what was going on
there. Poor child! what a life he will lead her if it comes off, but most
likely it won't. It _must_ be Du Meresq; for, though I was evidently
meant by the Colonel, I remember that Madame never seemed especially
pleased to see me."

How unfeeling women are! Cecil forgot her remorse at Fane's
disappointment in exultation at having so successfully removed a serious
obstacle from her path, and her eye sparkled with wicked amusement as she
noticed the marked coldness of Mrs. Rolleston's