proach me with unsisterly feelings. How are we to
understand each other at this rate?'

Then a faint smile played round Mr. Harcourt's mouth. It was true that,
in the heat of argument, he did not always measure his words; even
Geraldine had ventured to tell him so once.

'Well, well, we will say no more about it,' he returned somewhat
magnanimously; and though he could not pluck up spirit to turn the
conversation into another channel, he refrained from any more depressing
remarks. He gave her a friendly nod and smile as they parted in the
hall.

'You will find Geraldine in the morning-room,' he said; and Audrey was
much relieved that he did not offer to accompany her.

Mrs. Harcourt evidently regarded herself as an invalid that morning. She
was sitting in the corner of the big couch, in her pale-pink tea-gown.
She rose at her sister's entrance, however, and crossed the room with
languid steps.

'Did Percival bring you?' she asked, as she kissed her.

Audrey felt as though she were to blame when she saw Geraldine's heavy
eyes.

'I am afraid you are far from well, Gage,' she said a little anxiously,
for, after all, Geraldine was her only sister, and if things should go
wrong with her----. She felt a momentary compunction--one of those keen,
pin-like pricks of conscience--as she remembered how often she had been
vexed with her little ways.

Mrs. Harcourt looked at her mournfully.

'How can I be well?' she said, with reproachful sweetness in her voice.
'I do not think I had three hours' sleep last night. Percival got quite
concerned about me at last. Oh, Audrey, you have made me so very
unhappy!' and her eyes filled with tears.

'My dear Gage, I would not willingly make you unhappy for worlds!'

'But, all the same, it has been such a shock--such a cruel
disappointment to us both! Percival was nearly as upset about it as I
was. If you could have seen him walking up and down the room last night!
"She must be mad to throw herself away in this fashion!"--he would say
nothing else for a long time.'

'I am quite aware of Percival's sentiments,' returned Audrey coldly.

Her manner alarmed Geraldine. 'But you have not quarrelled with him for
telling you the truth?' she asked with unmistakable anxiety. 'Oh,
Audrey, you do not know how fond Percival is of you! He is as proud of
you as though you were his own sister. He has always looked forward to
your marriage. He used to say none of the men he knew were half good
e