"I am thinking of engaging this young person to come to the house and make some for me, under my supervision," she returned. "I would give so much to know how to make it!" exclaimed Jessie. "If this young woman will give you instructions, you can take them," said Mrs. Varrick. At that moment Hubert Varrick entered. "What is all this discussion about, ladies?" he asked. Gerelda uttered a quick gasp as he crossed the threshold. Her heart was in her eyes behind those blue glasses. She had pictured him as being worn and haggard with grieving for her. Did her eyes deceive her? Hubert Varrick looked brighter and happier than she had ever seen him look before, and, like a flash, Captain Frazier's words occurred to her--he had soon found consolation in a new love. "This woman is an adept at embroidering," said Jessie, "and she is to teach me how to do it. When I have thoroughly learned it, the very first thing I shall make will be a lovely smoking-jacket for you." "Oh, thank you!" exclaimed Hubert. "Believe that it will be a precious souvenir. I shall want to keep it so nice, that I will hardly dare wear it, lest I may soil it." The girl laughed a little merry laugh. It was well for her that she did not turn and look at the stranger just then. Mrs. Varrick was making arrangements with her, but she was so intently listening to that whispered conversation about the jacket, that she scarcely heard a word she said. She was only conscious that Mrs. Varrick had touched the bell for one of the servants to come and show her the apartment she was to occupy. "May I ask the name, please?" Mrs. Varrick said. "Miss Duncan," was the reply. From the moment Miss Duncan--as she called herself--entered that household her torture began. It was bad enough to be told by Captain Frazier of her would-be lover's lack of constancy; but to witness it with her own eyes--ah, that was maddening! "Would that I had never entered this household!" she cried out. She was unable to do justice to her work. Her whole life merged into one desire--to watch Hubert Varrick and Jessie Bain. She employed herself in embroidering a light silken scarf. This she could take out under the trees, and see the two playing lawn-tennis on the greensward just beyond the lilac hedge. There was not a movement that escaped her watchful eyes during the whole live-long day. And during the evenings, too. Would she ever forget them? Yes, Captain Frazier was right-- Hubert Varrick had forgotten her. She could see that Mrs. Varrick had no love for the girl. Indeed, her dislike was most pronounced; and she felt that Hubert must have done considerable coaxing to gain his mother's consent to bring the girl beneath that roof. When she learned from the housekeeper that Hubert Varrick was her guardian, her rage knew no bounds. It was at this critical state of affairs that Hubert Varrick received a telegram which called him to New York for a fortnight.