"He means well," said Miss Enistor with a sigh of relief, "or he would not ask you down to Tremore." It was at this interesting point in their interview that the lovers were interrupted. The footman opened the door to announce Dr. Eberstein, and when that gentleman entered the room the servant promptly retired. Montrose came forward with a look of amazed inquiry, which was reflected on the face of Alice. Both the young people were astonished by the unexpected appearance of the doctor. "I thought you were still in Paris, Eberstein," cried Douglas, as his friend shook hands with both. "I arrived in London to-day!" "Why didn't you let me know?" "There was no need to. It was necessary that you should quite understand one another before I came on the scene." Eberstein looked from one flushed face to the other with a smile. "You do understand, I see." "We are engaged," blurted out Montrose awkwardly. "Then that means an understanding," said the doctor cheerfully, with a benevolent look in his grey eyes. "I hope it means also mutual trust." "I am quite sure it does," cried Alice vehemently, "nothing Douglas could say or do would ever make me doubt him." "And I would believe in Alice if all the world were against her," said the young man decisively. "That is good hearing," observed the doctor pleasantly, "union is strength." "Every one knows that, don't they, doctor?" said Miss Enistor rather pertly. "Perhaps," he replied, "but few practise it. You wonder why I have come here to-night. It is because you both need me. All seems to be sunshine at the present moment. You love one another devotedly: you think that Mr. Enistor is well disposed towards your engagement----" "Oh!" interrupted Alice, with a frightened look in her eyes. "How do you know that my father is aware of our engagement?" "The letters you received to-day----" This time Montrose interrupted, and there was a note of awe in his voice. "I believe you know everything, Eberstein." "I know that you are invited down to Cornwall, so that Mr. Enistor may judge if you are the man he would choose to be his son-in-law." "But how do you know?" said Alice, startled. "You make me afraid!" Eberstein took her hand and gazed directly into her eyes. "Are you sure that I make you afraid?" he asked gently. "Why, no!" Alice felt the momentary fear vanish in an unaccountable way. "And you trust me even though you have known me such a short time? Remember, you have only met me once, Miss Enistor." He loosened his soft, reassuring grasp and leaned back in his chair. "I do trust you," said the girl promptly, "you have been kind to Douglas." "Is that the sole reason?" Alice stared at him doubtfully. "It is the only reason I can give. No one but a good man and a kind friend would have saved Douglas's life as you did."