Once during the evening Clarence and Cora found themselves far enough off from their friends for a short tete-a-tete, in which there was a brief but perfect explanation between them. Then Clarence announced his intention of escorting her to Washington and seeing her safe under the protection of the Nevilles. Cora strongly opposed this plan, on the ground that his escort was unnecessary and might be deeply offensive to Mr. Rockharrt. But Clarence was firm. "You may turn your back on me, Cora. You may refuse to speak to me during the whole journey. But you cannot prevent me from going on the same train with you, and so becoming your guardian on the journey," said Clarence. Cora's answer to this was prevented by the approach of Violet, who said: "Clarence, it is half past eleven o'clock, and Cora looks tired to death. Your room is ready whenever you would like to retire." Acting upon this very broad hint, Mr. Clarence laughed, kissed his niece good night, shook hands with his sister-in-law, and left the room, preceded by Mr. Fabian, who offered to show him to his chamber. Violet conducted Cora to the room prepared for her, and, with a warm embrace, left her to repose for the last time in that house. CHAPTER XXXI. "IT IS THE UNEXPECTED THAT HAPPENS." After her exciting and fatiguing day, Corona slept long and heavily, and when she reached the family sitting room she found her two uncles there in conversation. "I am sorry I kept you waiting, Uncle Fabian," she said, hurriedly. "You have not done so, my dear. The bell has not yet rung." "Then I'm glad. Good morning, Clarence," she said, turning to her younger uncle. "Good morning, Cora. How did you sleep?" "Perfectly, Clarence dear. I hope you will set out for North End immediately after breakfast. I shall not start for Washington until to-night. I shall spend the day here, so that after telling Violet of my intended journey I may have some little time to reconcile her to it." "How good you are, Cora. I do appreciate this consideration for Violet," said Mr. Fabian earnestly. "It is only her due, uncle. Well, Clarence, since you are determined to escort me to Washington, whether or not, you may meet me at the depot for the 6:30 express. I feel that it is every way better that I should go by the night train; better for Violet, with whom I can thus spend a few more hours, and better for Clarence, who need not by this arrangement lose this day's work." "Quite so," assented Mr. Fabian. "And now," he added, as light footsteps were heard approaching the room, "here comes Violet. Not a word about the journey until after breakfast." They all went into the breakfast room, where a fragrant, appetizing morning meal was spread.