"Lord Maltravers," replied Lena, "I can never love you. Would you take the hand, where the heart can never be?" "Oh, yes. If I can only call you mine, I will teach you to love me; believe me, dearest, love will come in time." "Never!" "Is it possible that you love another?" Lena looked up indignantly, almost angrily. "You have no right to pry into the secrets of my heart," she replied. "I know how it is," said Maltravers, bitterly, "you love that fellow, Harkaway." "Suppose I do care for Mr. Harkaway--what then?" "You shall never be his." "Allow me to ask you a question, my lord," she exclaimed. "Have you never loved before?" "Never, until I saw you." "Who is Adéle?" At this question he turned pale, and it was only by the exercise of a great effort that he mastered his emotion. She saw him change color and gnaw his nether lip and drew her own conclusions. "I do not know any one of that name," he replied. "What induces you to ask me?" "Never mind. Perhaps it was a silly fancy of mine." "Once more; will you be mine?" he urged. "Give me time to think." "I want your answer now." "You shall have it in a week. I cannot talk further, now," replied Lena. "Pardon me if I leave you." Lord Maltravers took up his hat. "I shall not intrude further upon you; in a week I shall call for your answer. Please say good-night to your mother for me," he exclaimed. Seizing her hand he raised it to his lips and imprinted a passionate kiss upon it. As he left the room he added, under his breath: "She shall yet be mine, in spite of every thing." Scarcely had she drawn a sigh of relief at his welcome absence than her mother entered. There were tears in Lena's eyes, and she was pale and tremulous. "Where is Lord Maltravers?" asked Mrs. Van Hoosen. "He has gone." "I hope, my child, you have not offended him." "No," said Lena, laconically. "Did he talk to you on a delicate subject?" "He did." "That is right. I gave him permission to do so. What answer did you give him when he asked you to become his wife?" "I told him he should have my answer in a week, and I gave him to understand that I could never love him." "I am sorry for that, for I have set my heart on your marrying that man. You must become Lady Maltravers or I will disown you. Girls do not know what's good for them." "Pity me, mamma," cried Lena. "I will not; pity would be wasted on so silly a girl. Think of the brilliant match I have arranged for you! There are very few young ladies who would refuse Lord Maltravers with his ancient lineage, fine form and splendid income." "I do not love him." "Pshaw! People do not marry for love nowadays. Accept his lordship in a week or prepare to leave my house forever." "I will obey you, mamma," replied Lena. Mrs. Van Hoosen bent over and kissed her affectionately. "That is my own dear girl," she said. "I am content now, and to-morrow I will arrange for your wedding outfit."