But, for all that, he would not have spoken of her to Phillis unless Phillis had begun the subject, having an uneasy consciousness that here lay the key to the mystery of his rejection. The way in which this rejection haunted him astonished himself. He allowed that he had been piqued, but there is little doubt that he fancied the pique would have spent itself, and left him free; instead of which he could not shake off the vexation and the annoyance. As often as not he was angry with Phillis, and, but that he was a gentleman, would have shown it. As it was, he often perplexed her, and such a _tete-a-tete_ as they were having now she avoided simply from the pain it caused herself. She was one of those people who try to do what is right with a brave disregard for the pain which may be a necessary part, but she did not go out of her way to court it. Only to-day she had a purpose, and it must be carried out in the few narrow and crowded streets which lay between them and the Condotti. "If I were a man," she said thoughtfully, "I should like to do something for that poor child." "A man," repeated Jack. "Is it man in the abstract, or any particular man who is needed?" "Well, he must be particular because he must be ready to take some trouble, and when the trouble is taken he must have wits to use its results, otherwise he might be as abstract as you please." "Is it this wretched brother who has come to the fore again?" "I have a theory that he is not so wretched as we take for granted. I dare say he has been foolish." "Oh, that's an epidemic we have all gone through," said Ibbetson; and Phillis felt suddenly hot, though nothing was further from his thoughts than an allusion to their engagement. She said hurriedly-- "The evidence of anything worse is very vague. That Mr Trent never enters into details, he gives mysterious hints, and impresses them all with an idea of his own great efforts, but that is all." "The tone in which you say `that Mr Trent' speaks volumes for your opinion," said Jack laughing. "But didn't you tell me she had written?" "Yes. Still--Mr Trent posted the letter." Jack gave a low whistle. "You are coming it rather strong in your suspicions, Phillis," he said doubtfully. "What motive could he have? It would take a big one." "He wishes to marry her," said Phillis, looking straight before her. "But she does not like him?"