“Yes, he was always a first-class hand at that! He spent Jervis’s money, I do assure you. Jervis lay low for the sake of a quiet life; he has no expensive tastes. But it was all a plant!” “Then, if what you tell me is correct, I think _I_ should call it a shameful hoax,” said the young lady, inwardly writhing under the sting of many memories. “It was abominably deceitful of Mr. Jervis.” “Did he ever tell you or any one that he was a pauper?” “No!” she admitted reluctantly. “I cannot say that he did; but he acted the part, which was all the same.” “Ah, my dear Miss Gordon, surely you have often heard that appearances are deceitful. Positively you seem quite annoyed to find that Jervis is a very rich man.” “I am,” she rejoined with indescribable dignity. “Your state of mind is deliciously unique! How would it have been, had he pretended to be rich, and turned out to be a beggar?” And he eyed her with irritating steadiness. “He has taken us all in; it was too bad of him! And if he _is_ so wealthy, what can have detained him at Shirani? He has been here more than two months, and seems to be a fixture. He came in April, and has never left the station for a day. Every one thought it was because he could not afford to move about. What does it mean?” and she in her turn surveyed him with searching eyes. “Ah!” with a laugh, “that riddle is quite beyond me; but I think, if you were to apply to some _young lady_ in Shirani, she might answer the question. Let me suggest his present partner, the girl in pink?” END OF VOL. II. [Illustration]