Gentian began to laugh. Her happy infectious laugh made every one join in it. "I am the person to be consulted," she said, "and I could not possibly leave my present situation, sir." Here she gave a little bow to Vernon. "Oh, indeed you can. Aunt Anne and Aunt Horatia can come up to town with you if they like, if they won't trust Emmie to look after you. I mean you to come—and I'm a bit of a hypnotist; you'll find yourself doing it before you can say 'Jack Robinson.'" "I am going upstairs to have a rest in my room before dinner," announced Miss Anne quietly. "Gentian, come with me, please." Gentian offered her her arm at once and they left the room together. Vernon settled down in his chair again. He meant to have it out with his Aunt Horatia. A determined man can get the better of two women if they happen to be fond of him. Miss Anne and Miss Horatia did not approve of their nephew's ways. He was too Bohemian, too unconventional, and too improvident to please them. But they loved him, and had given him a home when his parents were abroad and he was a small schoolboy. Before another day had elapsed, Gentian found herself ready to agree to his proposal. Secretly she was elated at the thought of it. She went over to Mrs. Wharnecliffe and coaxed her round to give her permission, but to Thorold she did not write till everything was settled and she was in the train with Vernon for Town. The ensuing weeks seemed unreal to her. She was by turn delighted and wearied with the wild rush of life that was now her lot. Mrs. St. Lucas, Vernon's sister, was a bright happy-go-lucky little lady, who was as eager in her protestations of friendship for Gentian, as she was in getting rid of all responsibility concerning her. The practices for the Recitals kept Gentian busy, but she was not at the piano the whole day, and Vernon was only too ready to take her out to lunch and dinner and then to the theatre afterwards. Mrs. St. Lucas was generally with them, but not always—and as time went on, Vernon began to assume airs of proprietorship which Gentian opposed with quiet dignity. She would laugh and talk with him about a hundred different things, but let personality be brought into prominence, then she stiffened immediately. The first Recital was a great success—Gentian wrote a full account of it to Thorold.