“I noticed it also, and I was very sorry for it, but, Elinor, my dear, it was partly your own fault! You were so much opposed to the idea of your engagement to Ralph being made public, that I feared it might lead to some _contretemps_. And then,” she continued gently, “don’t be offended if I say that your reserve with him, and your objection to anything like love-making on his part is in itself calculated to drive a young man to society he cares less for!” “But--but--still--I love him!” said poor Elinor, with a tremendous effort. “I know you do,” replied Margaret, kissing her again, “and better and more faithfully, perhaps, than half the women who show their love so openly--yet, men are but men, Elinor, and as a rule they do not believe in the affection which is never expressed by caresses and fond words.” “Well! whether I have been right or wrong, it is over now,” said Miss Leyton, “and Ralph can go to Miss Brandt or anyone else he chooses for amusement. I shall never stand in his way, but I cannot brook an affront, so I shall write and release him from his promise to me at once!” “No, no, Elinor, you must not do anything so rash! I beg--I implore you, to do nothing, until Ralph has had an opportunity of denying the charges brought against him by this girl. They may be utterly untrue! She may be simply persecuting him. Depend upon it, you have only to ask him for an explanation of those letters, and everything will be satisfactorily cleared up.” “You have more belief in him than I have, Margaret. Miss Brandt has great confidence in her cause. She told me that she had not only taken him from me, but she meant to keep him, and expressed her intention of going down to Aldershot and confronting Ralph with the letters she had written him!” At this intelligence, Margaret grew alarmed for her friend’s peace of mind. “No! no! that must never be,” she exclaimed, “that girl must not be permitted to make a scandal in the Camp, and get your name perhaps mixed up with it! It must be prevented.” “I fancy you will find that a difficult task,” said Elinor; “she seems the most determined young woman I have ever come across. She became so vehement at last, that she frightened me, and I was only too glad to get out of the house.” “Elinor,” said Mrs. Pullen suddenly, “will you leave this matter in my hands to settle in my own way?” “What do you intend to do? See Miss Brandt yourself? I advise you not! She will only insult you, as she did me.”