By a clever falsehood she had stung his pride and forced him into a proposal sooner even than she had dared to hope. He could think of nothing for a moment but his blind anger against heartless Violet, and his sudden wish to show her that he was not wearing the willow for her wicked desertion. How sweet and noble Amber’s conduct seemed by contrast with Violet’s perfidy. He felt conscious of a torturing regret that she had ever come into his life, with her luring blue eyes and golden hair, to cheat him with a promise of happiness never to be fulfilled. He had no love to give Amber, but he knew that she would prize gratitude and esteem; so he rushed into the trap she had set for him, and looked kindly into the hazel eyes that were swimming with joy as he exclaimed: “Is it too late, Amber?” “Oh, Cecil, dear Cecil!” she cried, joyfully again, and held out both her hands to him. He took them in his, pressed them gently, and dropped them again. This was their betrothal. Amber longed for a single caress, for even one cold kiss, but Cecil was too honest to proffer a wretched semblance of love that never could be a reality. He was paying his debt to Amber, and he was showing Violet that he could console himself; that was all. But, oh, the dazzling light of love on Amber’s face, the exultation in her flashing eyes! She cried out, happily: “I am glad that you can throw off Violet’s spell so easily, dear Cecil, and I will try to make you happier than she ever could have done.” “I thank you!” he answered, gently, although he knew in his heart that her boast was impossible. All his soul cried out for Violet, his beautiful lost love. She was false, but he knew that he could never forget. As he stood there gazing at her radiant face, he suddenly remembered that the stern old judge who had refused to give him Violet would reject his suit for Amber as well. He was ashamed of the relief that came with the thought, but he cried out, quickly: “Ah, Amber, what is the use of our plighting any vows? Your proud grandfather would never consent to our marriage.” “He shall consent!” Amber replied, with a proud toss of her graceful head, and she added, quickly: “I always told Violet that she could have her way with grandpapa by being more resolute, but she was timid and half-hearted, and her love for you was not strong enough to make her courageous in fighting her battles. It is different with me, Cecil, for I shall triumph, you may be sure.” He smiled at her without replying, and she added: “But, of course, we will keep it a secret just at present, and tell only your dear mamma. I think she is fond of me, Cecil, and I hope she will be pleased.” “I am sure she will be pleased,” he replied, kindly, then added: “I wish I could go back with you, Amber, to tell her the news, but I am compelled to meet a client at the office this morning.”