"Well, I am afraid I must go," she said, as Miss Davidson returned to her remaining guests. "Don't let me hurry you, Lucy; I must get that book you mentioned out of the library, Dr Dudley." She bowed to him with a frank cordiality that was far more cutting than his coldness, shook hands with her hostess, and went away. Lucy, of course, accompanied her, and Dudley was left to reap what he had sown. But Mona could not bear even Lucy's society to-day, and she made an excuse for parting from her before they had gone many hundred yards. Then her lithe figure straightened itself defiantly. "Two chances I have given him," she said to herself; "and now, come what come may, he shall make the third himself!" When Mona came in from hospital a few days later, she was met by the announcement that a gentleman had called to see her, and had said he would return in the evening. "Did he leave no name?" she asked in some surprise. "No, ma'am, he said it was of no consequence." Mona bethought herself of Mr Reynolds. "Was he an old gentleman?" she said. "Oh no, ma'am; a youngish gentleman, tall and thin." Mona's heart leaped. "Show him up to my sitting-room when he comes," she said quietly. She went to her lecture as usual that afternoon, but found it difficult to give her full attention to the varieties, causes, and treatment of aneurism. The moment the class was over she hurried home, dressed with more than usual care, rearranged her flowers, dined without knowing what was on the table, and then seated herself in her rocking-chair with a book. But she did not read. She proceeded to make a leisurely, critical survey of the room. It looked very pretty just then in the soft evening light, and at worst it was a picturesque, suggestive place. She rose to her feet and redraped a curtain; then she glanced with satisfaction at the soft folds of her gown, and seated herself again with a sigh. How sensible of him it was to come to her quietly, here in her own territory, where they could talk over everything thoroughly, and explain all misunderstandings! A loud rat-tat-tat resounded through the house. Alas! she knew that imperious knock only too well! A minute later Sir Douglas and her aunt entered the room. "You do look well," he said, holding her at arm's-length before he kissed her. "I never saw you with such a colour." "And your rooms are so charming," said Lady Munro. "I like them a great deal better than ours in Gloucester Place." Mona laughed. She was well used by this time to her aunt's figures of speech. "We are on our way to dinner at the Lacys', and as we had ten minutes to spare----" "For a wonder!" growled Sir Douglas. "----Douglas was determined to look in upon you." Mona smiled across brightly at her uncle, but she fervently hoped the ten minutes would be over before Dr Dudley arrived. It was at least fortunate that the engagement was dinner.