“Aye, and you at him--come, you as good as promised not to be cross--look and speak as if--as if--that is to say--well, in truth, I can hardly say what caused me to jump to my odd conclusion, but I did make the silly spring, and I find myself landed on exceedingly unpleasant ground.” Lois had known Blanche only two days, although she felt a strong presentiment that the friendship just cemented would endure for a lifetime. Blanche was the first friend she had ever possessed, and she was sure she might be trusted, yet prudence caused her to hesitate before entrusting Miss Dormer with the secret of her strange relationship with Paul Desfrayne. Blanche was fairly puzzled, and her feminine curiosity aroused. Quite confident that Lois had spoken truly in saying that Captain Desfrayne was almost a stranger to her, she yet could not help believing that there was some good reason for her thinking that some more than ordinary feeling caused a mutual interest or dislike. Lois placed her arm caressingly round Blanche’s waist, and laid her cheek on her shoulder. “Blanche,” she said, “I am going to tell you something about myself and Captain Desfrayne, which will, I have no doubt, surprise you.” Miss Dormer shrank a little, as if she had been guilty of trying to surprise a confidence she was not entitled to. “I hope,” she said, “you do not think me inquisitive. I am sorry I allowed myself to make any remarks.” Lois smiled. “You must let me enjoy the privileges of a friend,” she replied. “If you will let me tell you, I think it would be a solace to me. For although Lady Quaintree is so good and so kind, yet----” She paused; for it would be impossible to enter into any of the feelings which barred a perfect confidence between herself and her late mistress. But Miss Dormer partially comprehended, and pressed her hands warmly in token of sympathy and encouragement. “No doubt you will wonder, knowing that my acquaintanceship with him is of so recent a date--no doubt you will marvel to hear that I am half-engaged to marry Captain Desfrayne,” began Lois. “My dear!” was all Blanche could say, opening her eyes as wide as they could expand. “Yes. I can scarcely believe the story is real.” Lois repeated to her the history of Mr. Vere Gardiner’s will. Blanche listened in silent amazement. “How extraordinary! Then, why--why----” “Pray be as frank with me as I have been with you,” Lois entreated. “Why does he behave in such an odd way toward you? Does the proposition, or whatever you may call it, displease him?” “I have had no explanation from him, nor is one likely to take place. I am as ignorant as you are of his opinion on the matter.” “What is your own?” “I may truly say I feel mortified and vexed by being disposed of like a bale of goods----” “Not exactly, dearest girl. You are left an option.” “I do not like Captain Desfrayne.”