"Which you shall not, if I can prevent it. It's not fair; it's not kind. What is Jean to think? That you are attracted by her face, and her face alone? That's a poor compliment. If she is worth winning she is worth knowing; and she has plenty of character. So far as I can judge, her nature and yours are quite unlike. Are you quite sure that you can make her happy? In fairness to her, you ought to give her a chance of knowing you before she takes the plunge." "I can make her happy. I have no shadow of doubt about that. I'll tell you something more, if you like, Miss Strangeways--I am the only man who _can_! She belongs to me, and I am not going to stand aside for any man--or woman--on the face of the earth!" Vanna shrugged her shoulders, half laughing, half annoyed. "Very well, then, now we know where we are. For the moment please understand that I have joined the opposition. I shall run off with Jean and hide her, and instil principles of prudence and caution into her ear, coupled with a due suspicion of men who make up their minds in a hurry. Don't count upon my good offices." "I shan't need them, thank you," he returned calmly. Vanna reflected that it would be as easy to attempt to depress an india-rubber ball. CHAPTER SIX. ENTER MIGGLES. Three days later the two girls were ensconced in their country quarters, and Jean was beginning to suffer from the effects of reaction. Her impressionable nature was capable of generous impulses, which found vent in such actions of self-abnegation as the present flight from town, but long-continued effort was too heavy a trial. Once settled down in the quiet house by the sea, and past the excitement of the first arrival, she began to droop and to fret, and to demand of herself and every one with whom she came in contact why she had been so foolish as to abandon her last weeks in town.