"Of course that would have been awful," said Ronald. "But then it would not be a mistake, because I love you--like anything, Joe!" "Oh, nonsense! You are quite mistaken, my dear boy, because some day you will fall desperately in love with some one else, and you will like me just as much as ever"-- "Of course I should," said Ronald indignantly. "Nothing would ever make any difference at all!" "But, Ronald," retorted Joe laughing, "if you were desperately in love with some one else, how could you still be just as fond of me?" "I don't know, but I should," said Ronald. "Besides, it is absurd, for I shall never love any one else." "We shall see; but of course if you never do, we shall always be just the same as we are now." "Well--that would not be so bad, you know," said Ronald with a certain air of resignation. After this conversation Ronald became reconciled to the situation. Joe's remark that he would be able to love some one else very much without being--any the less fond of herself made him reflect, and he came to the conclusion that the case was conceivable after all. He therefore agreed within himself that he would think no more about the matter for the present, but would take what came in his way, and trust that Joe would ultimately change her mind. But he went to Mrs. Wyndham's that evening with a firm determination to dislike John Harrington to the best of his ability. A middle-aged man with red hair! Five-and-thirty was undoubtedly middle-age. Short, too. But Joe had blushed, and there was no doubt about it; this was the man who had won her affections. Ronald would hate him cordially. But John refused to be hated. His manner was easy and courteous, but not gentle. He was evidently no lady's man. He talked to the men more than to the women, and he was utterly without affectation. Indeed, he was not in the least like what Ronald had expected. Moreover, Ronald was seated next to Sybil Brandon at dinner, and drove every one away who tried to disturb the _tête-à-tête_ he succeeded in procuring with her afterwards. He was surprised at his own conduct, but he somehow connected it in his mind with his desire to hate Harrington. It was not very clear to himself, and it certainly would have been incomprehensible to any one else, but the presence of Harrington stimulated him in his efforts to amuse Miss Brandon.