"Frank," he said, in his low, quiet voice, "I want to say a few words to you. Let me preface them with the statement that what I am going to say your cousin Stella fully endorses." Frank, looking at Stella--he had not taken his eyes from her face--said: "Is that so, Stella?" She inclined her head. "I want you," said Jasper--"we want you, we ask you, my dear Frank, to erase from your memory all that has occurred here this morning, and before that; remember only that your cousin Stella is my affianced wife. I am aware that the suddenness of the thing causes you surprise, as is only natural; but get over that surprise, and learn, as soon as possible, to recognize it as an inevitable fact. Of all that has passed between--between"--he hesitated at the hated name, and drew a little breath--"Lord Leycester and Stella, nothing remains--nothing! We will forget all that, will we not, Stella?" She made the same gesture. "And we ask you to do the same." "But!" exclaimed Frank, white with suppressed excitement and indignation. Jasper glanced at Stella, almost with an air of command, and Stella went over to Frank and laying her hand on his arm, bent and kissed him. "It must be so, dear," she said in a low tremulous whisper. "Do not ask me why, but believe it. It is as he has said, inevitable. Every word from you in the shape of a question will add to my mis--will only pain me. Do not speak, dear, for my sake!" He looked from one to the other, then he took her hand with a curious expression in his face. "I will not ask," he said. "I will be silent for your sake." She pressed his hand and let it drop. "Come!" said Jasper with a smile, "that is the right way to take it, my dear Frank. Now let me say a word for myself, it is this, that you do not possess a truer friend and one more willing and anxious to serve you than Jasper Adelstone. Is that not so?" and he looked at Stella. "Yes," she breathed. Frank stood with his eyes cast down; he raised them for a moment and looked Jasper full in the face, then lowered them again. "And now," said Jasper, with a smile and in a lighter voice, "you must take some refreshment," and he went to the cupboard and brought out some wine. Frank turned away, but Stella, nerving and forcing herself, took the glass he extended to her and put the edge to her lips. Jasper seemed satisfied, though he saw that she had not touched a drop. "Let me see," he said, taking out his watch, "there is a train back in half an hour. Shall we catch that?" "Are you coming back with us?" said Frank in a quiet voice. Jasper nodded. "If you will allow me, my dear Frank," he said, calmly. "I won't keep you a moment." He rang the bell as he spoke and Scrivell entered.