"All that morning. I stayed by myself in my own room. I did not go out, though the others all went to a steeplechase on Lord Algy's drag, and I had a new gown on purpose. I suppose most girls would have gone, but I felt I could not. I can't take things lightly like some people. I dare say it is a mistake, but I always have felt anything of that kind very deeply." "I suppose he did not go either?" "N--no, he didn't." "That would have been awkward if you had not intended to accept him." Madeleine looked into the fire. "It was a very painful time," she went on, after a pause. "And it was so embarrassing at luncheon--only him and me, and that old General Hanbury. Every one else had gone." "Even your mother?" "Yes; she was the chaperone of the party, as Mrs. Mildmay had a headache. But I did not want her to stay. She did not know till it was all settled. I could not have talked about it to her; mamma and I feel so differently. You know she always remembers how much she cared for poor papa. I was dreadfully perplexed what I ought to do, but"--in a lowered voice--"I took it where I take all my troubles, Di. I prayed over it; I laid it all before----" Madeleine stopped short as Di suddenly hid her face in her hands. The white nape of her neck was crimson. "And then?" she asked, after a moment's silence, with her face still hidden. "Then it all seemed to become clear," murmured Madeleine, gratified by Di's evident envy. "And I saw it was _meant_. You know, Di, I believe those things are decided for one. And I felt quite peaceful, and I went out for a little bit in the garden, and the sun was setting--I always care so much for sunsets, they mean so much to me, and it was all so beautiful and calm; and--I suppose he had seen me go out--and----" Di uttered a sound between a laugh and a sob, which resulted in something like a croak. Her fair face was red with--_was_ it envy?--as she raised her head. Two large tears stood in her indignant wistful eyes. She looked hard at Madeleine, and the latter avoided her direct glance. "Madeleine," she said, "do you care for this man?" Madeleine gave a little pout which would have appealed to a masculine heart, but which had no effect on Di. "I was very much surprised when you wrote to tell me," continued Di, rather hurriedly. "I never should have thought--when I remember what he is--I can't believe that you can really care about him." "I have a great influence over him--an influence for good," said Madeleine. "He would promise anything I asked; he has already about smoking. I know he has not been always---- But you know a woman's influence. I always mention him in my prayers, Di."