Darley felt touched--not so much at the words, but at the way in which they were spoken, gently, deeply, as if breathing of sincereness. But he did not distinguish anything beyond that in the grave eulogy to Leonard and himself. At length the lights _had_ to be brought in, and Darley rose to go. “You said you felt it unfortunate that I should be unable to skate, because you had been hoping to see me often,” said Miss Charteris. She was conscious of a slight flush, but she went bravely on. In certain circumstances a woman _has_ to be what prudes call bold. “Did you mean it?” “How could you doubt that I meant it? I certainly did mean it.” Darley was a little confused by this frankness. All true women must be coquettes in some degree, was Darley's creed. But Miss Charteris was hardly a coquette even in a slight degree, he thought. It was not frivolousness that prompted her to speak in this way. “Because, if you meant it,” continued this charming young person, “I shall be glad if you will come and see me as often as you like, if you will not find it dull.” Miss Spooner, Miss Charteris' aunt, came in at this moment and spoiled the eloquent look of reproach that Darley gave her niece. “Did you ever see such a girl!” exclaimed Miss Spooner in her high but pleasant voice. Miss Spooner's speech was emphatic, and endowed with realism. Darley felt like saying that he never had, indeed. “_I_ never did! Going into mourning, I believe, because she can't go out and break another ankle! You wouldn't catch _me_ on that ice! I saw it to-day from the bridge--horrible, shiny, treacherous stuff! Not going already, Mr. Darley? Better stop to tea.” Darley said he could not stop to tea _that evening_; which meant that he could some other evening, of course, and would be unspeakably happy to do so. All of which Miss Spooner understood; and so she extended her hospitality to him for the next evening. ***** “Do you know, Percy, I believe you are going to marry Miss Charteris,” said Leonard, quietly, one evening. “_Our_ Miss Charteris, I mean.” “What makes you say so?” “I believe you are in love with her; in fact, I know you are. And I hope you will. Nothing could make me happier.” Darley looked the satisfaction he could not speak at this little speech. “I am in love with her. But I am not good enough for her,” he said, humbly. “I have been a worthless beggar all these years----” “You can prove your worth,” said Leonard, warmly. “And you _must_, if you marry Florence Charteris. I know you are not worthless; but you must let the good come to the surface.” “I shall work,” answered Darley, earnestly. “I begin to feel now the approving glow that comes to a man when he anticipates marrying a woman he loves. But why should I anticipate? I have not the slightest reason to believe that Miss Charteris cares a jot for me!” “Is that true, Percy?” questioned Leonard, sharply.