"You asked a plain question, Margaret. I should have said nothing if nothing had been asked; but you surely don't wish me to commit myself to a lie?" "Oh no, no!" said Margaret. "But sisterly love, and--and your own cousin too!" "I want to say something in private to Betty Vivian; and I would earnestly beg of you, Margaret, not to propose to Mrs. Haddo that Betty should tell her any story until after I have spoken. I have my reasons for doing this; and I do not think, all things considered, that I am really breaking Rule No. I. in adopting this course of action." "This is most strange!" said Margaret. Betty rose and came straight up to Fanny. "Where and when do you want to speak to me, Fanny?" she asked. "I will go with you now," said Fanny. "Then I think," said Margaret, "our meeting has broken up. The next meeting of the Specialities will be held in Olive Repton's room on Thursday next. There are several days between now and then; but to-morrow at four o'clock I mean to give a tea to all the club here. I invite you, one and all, to be present; and afterwards we can talk folly to our hearts' content. Listen, please, girls: the next item on my programme is that we invite dear Mr. Fairfax to tea with us, and ask him a few questions with regard to the difficulties we find in the reading of Jeremy Taylor's 'Holy Living.'" "I don't suppose, Margaret, it is absolutely necessary for me to attend that meeting?" said Betty. "Certainly not, Betty. No one is expected to attend who does not wish to." "You see, I have no difficulties to speak about," said Betty with a light laugh. Margaret glanced at her with surprise. "Come, Betty," said Fanny; and the two left the room. "Where am I to go to?" asked Betty when they found themselves outside. "Out, if you like," said Fanny. "No, thank you. The day is very cold." "Then come to my room with me, will you, Betty?" "No," said Betty, "I don't want to go to your room." "I must see you somewhere by yourself," said Fanny. "I have something important to say to you." "Oh, all right then," said Betty, shrugging her shoulders. "Your room will do as well as any other place. Let's get it over." The girls ran upstairs. They presently entered Fanny's bedroom, which was a small apartment, but very neat and cheerful. It was next door to the Vivians' own spacious one. The moment they were inside Betty turned and faced Fanny. "Do you always intend to remain my enemy, Fanny?" she asked. "Far from that, Betty; I want to be your truest friend." "Oh, for heaven's sake, don't talk humbug! If you are my truest friend you will act as such. Now, what is the matter--what is up?" "I will tell you." "I am all attention," said Betty. "Pray begin." "I hurt your feelings downstairs just now by saying that I did not care for your story-telling." "You didn't hurt them in the least, for I never expected you to care. The story-telling wasn't meant for you."