"I suppose he is," said Mrs. Barrast gravely, "his name sounds like it. But I can't say what he is. He talks all languages as well as he talks English, and never says anything about his father and mother. But he's very nice, isn't he, Alice? A kind of soul-doctor, you know, who tells his patients that mind is stronger than matter. Not exactly Christian Science, but something like it. He has never come to dinner before. I'm sure I don't know why, as I have asked him dozens of times." Alice thought that she knew the reason, which had to do with Mrs. Barrast's frothy chatter, but was too polite to put her idea into words. "What do you think of Mr. Montrose?" she asked, anxious for a second opinion. "Good-looking but stupid," was Mrs. Barrast's verdict; "not a second idea in his head. However, he has money--your money, dear, so you ought to marry him." "He has not got my money," said Miss Enistor tartly, "and even if he had I certainly should not marry him for his wealth." "I daresay: you are such a funny girl. Not at all like a human being. It's silly not to eat a pear that has fallen into your mouth." "Mr. Montrose being the pear?" "Of course. He is head over ears in love with you already. I'm not his style evidently. Not that I care," ended Mrs. Barrast, caring very much indeed. "Go in and win, Alice, and let me design the bridesmaids' dresses. Pink silk and white----" Mrs. Barrast's chatter about chiffons was put a stop to by the entrance of the gentlemen. As if it had been arranged, Dr. Eberstein walked over to Mrs. Barrast and engaged her in conversation. Montrose hesitated, then came to the corner wherein Alice was seated. He looked extremely handsome and attractive; she was more than ever taken with his appearance. Smiling amiably, she made room for him to sit down beside her on the ottoman, but waited for him to begin the conversation. He did so with an abruptness which startled her. "I hope you are not my enemy," said the young man earnestly. Alice raised her eyebrows. "Why should I be?" "Well, you see Lady Staunton left me her money!" "Why not, Mr. Montrose? It was her own money!" "Yes. But do you think it was right that she should leave it away from her relations?" "If she wished to. Why not?" "You don't regret the loss?" He looked at her very directly. "Not at all. I have never given the matter any consideration." "And your father?" "He is quite satisfied with the legacy left to him by Aunt Lucy," said Alice unhesitatingly, for she knew nothing of Enistor's wrath about the loss. Montrose drew a long breath of relief. "I am glad to hear you say that," he said thankfully. "I don't mind telling you, Miss Enistor, that, when I heard of my good fortune, it was my first intention to surrender the money to your father. I was persuaded not to do so by Dr. Eberstein." "He is a friend of yours?" she asked carelessly.