witting of a
young, desolate face pressed against an upper casement. From thence she
had watched him waiting for Cecil at the landing, and, with eyes
sharpened by anxiety, had detected their happiness in meeting. She could
not go down to receive confirmation of what required none. Better receive
the _coup de grace_ from his own lips than to undergo gradual vivisection
while looking helplessly on.

Bluebell was young and credulous, her heart had been flattered away by
this man, who had had so many before and did not want it now, and yet,
poor child, could she have looked beyond, she might have seen cause for
thankfulness that the thing most hotly desired was withheld for this
early love had not root enough for the wear and tear of life. It was a
hob day romance, born of the senses, the bewildering fascination of a
graceful presence and winning voice, and well for her if her guardian
angel stood with even a flaming sword in the way.

The two girls did not meet till the morning, when Cecil, preoccupied as
she was, could not but notice the blanched weariness of Bluebell's face
which, owing a great deal of its beauty to colouring, appeared by
contrast almost plain.

"You should have come up the Saguenay with us. I am sure Rice Lake
cannot agree with you," said she, launching into a glowing and graphic
description of their adventures. In reality, Cecil had detested the whole
expedition, having been in a continual fever to return; but, now that her
mind was at ease, memory brought out the notable points in a surprising
way, and she quite talked herself into believing that she had enjoyed it
immensely, and had witnessed everything with the utmost relish and
curiosity.

They were sitting in the garden over-looking the lake, and a tiny
sail shot out from the hotel landing and stood towards them. A light
stole over the face of the brunette, but the features of the blonde
became rigid as they marked its progress. Neither alluded to the
circumstance--Cecil continued her narrative, and Bluebell made the
requisite replies; but when the boat had made Lyndon's Landing, and Du
Meresq and Lascelles jumped out, Cecil found she was receiving them
alone.

The latter was come on a farewell call. The two friends meant to sail to
a railway station five miles up the lake, where Lascelles would take the
car, and Du Meresq bring the canoe back. After a short visit, Mrs.
Rolleston and Cecil strolled down to see them off.

"I have never trie