'But that's sophistry!' said Rose. 'You accuse or you exonerate. Nobody can be half guilty. If you do not hold him innocent you are unjust!' Lady Jocelyn rejoined: 'Yes? It's singular what a stock of axioms young people have handy for their occasions.' Rose loudly announced that she would right this matter. 'I can't think where Rose gets her passion for hot water,' said her mother, as Rose ran down the ledge. Two or three young gentlemen tried to engage her for a dance. She gave them plenty of promises, and hurried on till she met Evan, and, almost out of breath, told him the shameful injustice that had been done to her friend. 'Mama is such an Epicurean! I really think she is worse than Papa. This disgraceful letter looks like Ferdinand's writing, and she tells him so; and, Evan! will you believe that instead of being certain it's impossible any gentleman could do such a thing, she tells Ferdinand she shall feel more comfortable if she doesn't see him for some time? Poor Ferdinand! He has had so much to bear!' Too sure of his darling to be envious now of any man she pitied, Evan said, 'I would forfeit my hand on his innocence!' 'And so would I,' echoed Rose. 'Come to him with me, dear. Or no,' she added, with a little womanly discretion, 'perhaps it would not be so well--you're not very much cast down by what happened at dinner?' 'My darling! I think of you.' 'Of me, dear? Concealment is never of any service. What there is to be known people may as well know at once. They'll gossip for a month, and then forget it. Your mother is dreadfully outspoken, certainly; but she has better manners than many ladies--I mean people in a position: you understand me? But suppose, dear, this had happened, and I had said nothing to Mama, and then we had to confess? Ah, you'll find I'm wiser than you imagine, Mr. Evan.' 'Haven't I submitted to somebody's lead?' 'Yes, but with a sort of "under protest." I saw it by the mouth. Not quite natural. You have been moody ever since--just a little. I suppose it's our manly pride. But I'm losing time. Will you promise me not to brood over that occurrence.? Think of me. Think everything of me. I am yours; and, dearest, if I love you, need you care what anybody else thinks? We will soon change their opinion.' 'I care so little,' said Evan, somewhat untruthfully, 'that till you return I shall go and sit with my mother.'