"Here, what does this mean?" exclaimed Glen. "Why did you not send my note with yours?" "Did!" "Then how is it you have brought it back?" "That scoundrel Joseph!" exclaimed Dick. "I won't believe but that it's some trick on his part, for I don't trust a word he says." "What does he say, then?" "That they returned the notes unopened, and that--can you bear it?" "Bear it! Bear what? Of course--yes; go on." "I've heard that Clotilde has accepted Mr Elbraham, and they are going to be married directly." Glen stood and glared at him for a moment, and then burst into a hearty laugh. "Absurd! nonsense! Why, who told you this?" "Joseph." "Rubbish! Joseph is an ass. The fellow forgot to deliver the letters." Dick spoke to him again, but Glen did not hear his words in the anger that had taken possession of him. He had, against his will, allowed himself to be swayed by Clotilde, and carried on the clandestine correspondence that was repugnant to his frank nature; and now he blamed himself for his conduct. "Look here, Dick," he cried at last, "we have been behaving like a couple of foolish boys ashamed of their feelings, and the consequence is we have been unable to take the part of those two when they have been urged to accept proposals by their aunts." "Don't say _they_; it is only Clotilde." "I'll wager it is Marie as well, my boy; else why did you get your note back?" Dick looked staggered, and gazed in his friend's face. "I say, you know, what are you going to do?" he said it last. "Going straight to the private apartments to see the aunts. Come with me?" "What, to meet the old dragons, and talk about it?" "Yes, of course. It is cowardly to hold back." "That's--er--a matter of opinion," said Dick, who looked uneasy. "I-- er--don't think it would be quite wise to go." "As you like!" said Glen shortly; and before the boy could quite realise the position the door swung back heavily and his visitor was gone. "Well," said Dick thoughtfully, "I could go through a good deal for Marie's sake, and would give a good deal to see her now, but face those two old Gorgons? No, not this time; I'd rather take a header into the Thames any day, and I don't believe Glen has gone, after all." But he had gone straight to the private apartments, rung, and sent in his card to where the Honourable Misses Dymcox were discussing preparations for the marriage, with their nieces in the room. "Captain Glen!" exclaimed the Honourable Philippa, starting as she read the card; "so early! What can he want?" Marie glanced at her sister, and saw that she looked flushed and excited; but as soon as Clotilde found that she was observed, she returned a fierce, defiant glance at Marie's inquisitive eyes. "Had--hadn't we better say `Not at home'?" whispered the Honourable Isabella. "No: it would be cowardly," replied her sister. "Joseph, you can show up Captain Glen."