"It--it doesn't matter," said Nell, steadying herself against the door, striving to still a sudden convulsive shuddering. "I was a f-fool to think he--he cared. Of course he--he was only amusing himself!" and then her self-control suddenly gave way, and her head fell forward upon her sister's shoulder. But only for a moment; that high queenliness was not on the surface, merely, but in the heart, as well. "I think I'm getting tired of Weet-sur-Mer, dad," she said, quite steadily, with a wan little smile. "I seem to be hungering for New York again; wouldn't you like to go home?" "We'll go, of course, at once, dad," commanded Sue. "That's the only thing to do. Oh!" she cried, her eyes flashing, "I could murder such a man--cut him to pieces, inch by inch--and gloat over the deed!" Rushford was very pale and his hands were trembling a little as he started for the door. "Yes, I'll order the trunks packed," he said, incoherently. "I'll have to hurry--I'll try to--" Something in his voice caught Susie's ear; she turned her head and looked at him. "Dad!" she called. He paused with his hand on the knob. "Dad, come here." He came back reluctantly. "We're to go away quietly, you know, without telling any one; there's to be no fuss--we couldn't bear that--" A tap on the door interrupted her. Rushford opened it. A man stood without, a German with complexion like mahogany. He bowed silently and handed in a note. Rushford took it and closed the door. "It's from Markeld," he said, looking at the crest; "thought he hadn't made his case quite emphatic enough, I guess," and he glanced at Susie's blushing face and smiled. "Of course, we'll have to tell him," he added, as he tore open the envelope and unfolded the sheet of paper it contained. "He has a sort of right--" He stopped. Susie saw his face turn gray again.... A great fear fell upon her heart--a cold, still fear that gripped her and left her shivering. "What is it, dad?" she asked quietly, through clenched teeth. "Nothing," answered her father, looking at her vaguely. "It's nothing. It's--it's merely a matter of business, Susie." "Come, dad," she said, still quietly, "don't try to deceive me. Tell me--no matter what it is, I can bear it. Do you think I haven't any pluck, dad?" "Yes, I know you've got pluck, Susie," he said. "We've simply made a mistake, my dear, in believing these blackguards honourable men. Let's think no more about them." "Read what he says, dad." He hesitated still, but her eyes compelled him, and he read: "'The Prince of Markeld begs to withdraw his proposal for the hand of Miss Rushford.'" "And that is all?" "That is all, Susie." "It couldn't be!" she said, a little hoarsely. "His aunt is here--Monsieur Pelletan told me--and she has pointed out to him the folly of it! I was silly to think it could come true! But, oh--" and she dropped sobbing into a chair.