Atkins evaded the answer. "You ought to have come sooner," he repeated gravely. "It was not considerate in you to leave Miss Jane here amid all these rejoicings over the victory, which must have made her loss only the more bitter. We might, all three of us, have been on our way to America long ago." Henry gave an indifferent shrug of the shoulders. "My travelling plans admitted of no change," he said, "and besides, I had an idea you would all be thankful for the delay. Doctor and Mrs. Stephen are not yet informed, are they?" "I have just told them." "Well, after an interview with my betrothed, I wish to be introduced to them as a future relative. The three weeks from now to the beginning of next month will suffice for all necessary preparations, and we shall leave immediately after the ceremony. You are aware of my arrangements with Miss Forest?" "She has told me that she leaves all to your decision, and that I have simply to consult you in regard to the arrangements." He turned again to the window. Atkins was for a while silent, but all at once he laid on his hand Alison's arm. "The regiment is expected back to-morrow, Henry!" he said. "I know it!" returned Alison, not moving from his place. "And Professor Fernow is coming in any event," continued Atkins, with marked emphasis. Henry glanced at him calmly. "Do you know this so certainly?" "He surely will not remain away from a reception that is especially designed for him." "He will not come!" said Alison coolly. "After what has passed between us, he does not enter this house while my betrothed remains in it, or I do not understand the German sentiment of honor." Atkins looked at him doubtfully. "Well, I was not a witness of your interview," he said. "You must know what is to be expected of him; but if he really remains away are you just as sure of Miss Forest?" Henry did not answer; he merely smiled in his ill-omened way. "Supposing she should refuse to fulfil her promise to you?" "She will not refuse." Atkins did not seem to share his decided conviction. "You may find yourself in error," he said. "Jane is no longer in that hollow stupor that was upon her at our first arrival in B. She is silent as usual, but I know that all her strength of mind is now directed towards one conclusion; and this conclusion will hardly be blind submission to your will. Look before you!" Henry smiled again, and it was with almost a sympathetic glance he looked down upon the man who warned him.