What could he say to the poor, little, misguided woman who was waiting for him to extricate her from her difficulties? How could he possibly explain to her that his sister had refused to make her acquaintance when he had told her that she might count upon her assistance and sympathy? He walked out of the house in a furious frame of mind. He was angry with his sister, and still more so with himself for being influenced by what she had said. He went straight to his rendezvous with Lady Francis, and when she caught sight of him she started up and came forward with outstretched hands. At once his doubts disappeared. It only needed one look from her pleading brown eyes for all his old confidence and infatuation to be restored. “How kind you are!” said Fenella, with gratitude beaming in her face. “Have you been all this time with your sister? When am I to see her?” Then Jacynth felt extremely uncomfortable, and looked down and kicked about the gravel, unable to answer the questions which were put to him. “What did your sister say?” pursued Fenella. “Did you explain everything to her?” “Yes, I explained everything,” he said awkwardly. “But not so well as I can explain it,” she continued, and then, “I am sure I shall like your sister--that is to say, if she is like you.” “She is not like me,” he said moodily. “She is altogether different.” “Never mind,” she said brightly; “I shall like her all the same.” “I am afraid----” he began. “Yes? What are you afraid of?” she asked. “You see, my sister is going away very shortly; in fact, she may leave any day,” he answered confusedly. “Oh, I am so sorry,” she said simply. “Yes,” he continued desperately, “and, of course, as her stay here is going to be so very short, she thinks--I mean she fears----” “Well, go on,” said Fenella calmly. “She fears that she could not be of much assistance to you.” “But I myself am not going to stay long,” she said. “But it will be very kind of her to let me see something of her before she leaves. It will silence the evil tongues.” “She feels that it will be scarcely worth while to make your acquaintance,” said Jacynth, with a final violent kick at the gravel. “I understand,” said Fenella, in altogether a different voice, and the light went out of her face. “I can assure you----” said Jacynth, but Fenella stopped him. “You need say no more,” she said. “Your sister refuses to know me. I daresay she is right.” Then there was an awkward silence. Jacynth could find no excuses ready, and Fenella was inwardly very indignant. At last she managed to subdue her emotion sufficiently to say to him: “I must thank you for the effort you have made on my behalf; you have been very kind, and whatever happens to me, I will never forget your kindness.” Jacynth still found nothing to say, and, scarcely before he had realized it, Fenella had turned from him and was hastily running toward the hotel. CHAPTER VII. BY “RITA.” SO NEAR--SO FAR AWAY.