Just now he could think of nothing clearly but the intoxicating bliss of Violet’s nearness, and the shy gladness of her dark-blue eyes as they dwelt on his, so dark, so true, so tender. He placed his hand fondly over hers, thrilling with joy at the soft contact, and poured out, in love’s tender phrases, low and deep, all his joy at seeing her again. But Violet, with a shy consciousness of Amber’s presence, rejoined, softly and anxiously: “Oh, Cecil, we have no time even to rejoice over this happy meeting, for I want you to advise me how to escape from the perils that surround me.” And, clasping her white hands in piteous terror, she added: “Oh, I am so frightened, Cecil, at the dark and cruel fate that seems lowering over my head! I have no peace by day or night. Terrible dreams startle me from sleep, and fill me with forebodings of evil!” “My darling, you are weak and nervous, that is all. There is no real danger, for, as I have written to you every day, they cannot force you into an unwilling marriage. Only be courageous, and persist in refusing Harold Castello’s suit, and all will be well. Judge Camden will give up his plan when he finds you are determined not to yield.” “Ah, you do not know grandpapa as well as I do, Cecil. I fear his power, he is so harsh and cruel!” “Not cruel to you, my little love, for no one could be that!” cried the doting lover. Suddenly Amber looked around at them, the angry frown all gone as if by magic, from her dark and brilliant face. “I beg pardon for interrupting,” she began, “but really I see that I must speak a word for Violet.” “A hundred if you wish!” he said, courteously. “Cecil, you do not really comprehend the perils that environ poor Violet, because we have kept back from you a startling fact.” “Oh, Amber----” Violet began, piteously. “Hush, dear; I will tell Cecil the truth! He ought to know the real reason of your illness. I am ashamed of my grandfather, but he must know that it was a cruel blow from that old man’s hand that struck you senseless to the floor, and almost cost your life!” How nobly indignant she looked as she uttered the words! Who could guess that, deep in her heart, Amber was furious that the cruel blow had not ended her rival’s innocent life. “Oh!” breathed Cecil Grant, in deadly wrath and amazement, while the veins stood out on his forehead like whip-cords, and his hands involuntarily clinched themselves as though they were round the throat of the dastard who had sunk so low to all gentlemanly instincts as to strike a woman. “Oh, Amber, I wished Cecil never to hear that!” cried Violet, in deep distress.