Alice shook her head. "Every man should think for himself." "So Eberstein says," replied Montrose unexpectedly; "and all he does is to give me hints, leaving me to take them or reject them as I choose. Fortunately I know how little I do know, and I am glad to have a more experienced man to help me." "Experienced?" "Yes. In the things of this world and the next." "Is Dr. Eberstein religious then?" "Not in the narrow sense in which the word religious is used. But he is a wonderful man, as you will learn when you see more of him. I don't want you to think me weak and without will-power, Miss Enistor, because I constantly quote Eberstein. But the most accomplished general is glad to obey the guidance of a man who knows the lie of the land when marching through the enemy's country." "The enemy's country?" "You might call the world so." Miss Enistor moved restlessly. "What an odd conversation we are having!" she said in a nervous way. "We have only met to-night for the first time, and yet we are quite confidential." "It is better to talk as we are doing than to gossip," said Montrose sententiously. "And how do you know we have met for the first time to-night?" "I have never seen you before," said the girl sharply. "You have not seen Douglas Montrose, nor have I seen Alice Enistor," was the reply. "But in other bodies, in other lives, we have been friends: the very best of friends." "How do you know that?" asked Alice, wilfully dense, although her heart endorsed every word the young man said. "Need I explain?" He stared at her hard. "No," she answered after a short pause. "I can guess your meaning. When we shook hands we were drawn together by--well, I can't say." "By the friendship of the past!" "Yes," she hesitated; "I suppose so! But other people would think we were talking sad nonsense, Mr. Montrose." "What does it matter what other people think?" said the young man calmly. "Not much. But one has to consider the world in which one lives." "Mrs. Barrast?" "No! No! No!" Alice laughed outright and rose, as she felt that he was getting on altogether too fast. "She is very tolerant." "That is something in her favour, considering how narrow people are as a rule in this world." Montrose got on his feet also. "Before we join her and Eberstein, let me hear you assure me that you do not look upon me as a grasping enemy who has taken your father's money." "I assure you of that certainly," said the girl frankly, and gave him her hand with a smile. "If you had not mentioned the subject I should never have referred to it. Keep the money, Mr. Montrose, and make what use you will of it. Both my father and myself are quite content," and she said this about Enistor once more, entirely unaware of its falsity. "You are good," said Montrose impetuously. "Few people would take a loss so kindly." "Well, like yourself I cannot get up any enthusiasm about money. Come, let us join Mrs. Barrast." "One moment. Shall I see you again?"