prolonged examination of her features he has vouchsafed her
no welcome.

"She came by the half-past four train. Williams met her with the
brougham."

"And it is nearly six. Pray why have I been kept so long in ignorance
of her arrival?" Not once as he speaks does he look at Marcia, or at
anything but Molly's pale, pretty, disturbed face.

"Dear grandpapa, you have forgotten. Yesterday I told you the hour we
expected her. But no doubt, with so many important matters upon your
mind," with a glance at the littered table, "you forgot this one."

"I did," slowly, "so effectually as to make me doubt having ever heard
it. No, Marcia, no more excuses, no more lies: you need not explain. Be
satisfied that whatever plans you formed to prevent my bidding your
cousin welcome to my house were highly successful. At intrigue you are
a proficient. I admire proficiency in all things,--but--for the future--be
so good as to remember that I _never_ forget."

"Dear grandpapa," with a pathetic but very distinct sigh, "it is very
hard to be misjudged!"

"Granted. Though at times one must own it has its advantages. Now, if
for instance I could only bring myself, now and again, to misjudge you,
how very much more conducive to the accomplishment of your aims it
would be! Leave the room. I wish to speak to your cousin."

Reluctant, but not daring to disobey, and always with the same
aggrieved expression upon her face, Marcia withdraws.

As the door closes behind her, Mr. Amherst rises, and holds out one
hand to Molly.

"You are welcome," he says, quietly, but coldly, and evidently speaking
with an effort.

Molly, coming slowly up to him, lays her hand in his, while entertaining
an earnest hope that she will not be called upon to seal the interview
with a kiss.

"Thank you," she says, faintly, not knowing what else to say, and
feeling thoroughly embarrassed by the fixity and duration of his
regard.

"Yes," speaking again, slowly, and absently. "You are welcome--Eleanor.
I am glad I have seen you before--my death. Yes--you are very like----
Go!" with sudden vehemence, "leave me; I wish to be alone."

Sinking back heavily into his arm-chair, he motions her from him, and
Molly, finding herself a moment later once more in the anteroom,
breathes a sigh of thankfulness that this her first strange interview
with her host is at an end.

* * * * *

"Dress me quickly, Sarah," she says, as she gai