“When did you hear the tale?” “The year I was in Valenciennes.” Jack recalled Roy’s description of Ivor’s return from that absence, and he began to grasp the state of the case. “When did you hear last from Polly herself?” “Over two years ago. A letter which had been written before the date when she was said to have become engaged.” The last remnants of Jack’s anger died out. Two years of silence following upon such a report! “You have not writ yourself to Polly, this great while.” “How could I—not speaking of this? And—how speak of it—if it were not true?” Silence again. Jack observed slowly, as he watched the other’s colourless lips— “Den, I’m going to be frank. ’Tis no case for half confidences. There was a time, I’ll confess, when I had a doubt in my own mind of Polly’s constancy. She’s a pretty creature, and she has had an uncommon lot of admiration. But I wronged her, for she has been ever faithful to you, and she has cared for none other. And the night before I started for Spain, she and I talked together, and she spoke out plainly. She said that, if you but asked her to come to Verdun she would come—and gladly. She wondered, if indeed you cared for her still, that you had not so done.” A flush came, and Denham’s hand was held hard against his forehead. “Never!” he said, in a low voice. “You would not wish to have her out?”—incredulously. “Never! If Polly were here, I might be taken from her in a week—sent to a dungeon, leaving her unprotected.” “I see! Nay, that would not do. Polly and you must wait a while longer. But you will know now that she is waiting too.” “It might be better for her—not——” Denham broke off. “Your head is not often like this, I hope,” Jack said, in a concerned tone. “Not much respite lately.” “Have you had medical advice? Can nothing be done?” “One infallible remedy—if it might be had.” “And that is?” “Freedom—and Home.” There was a short breath between the words, which said much, for Denham was not given to sighing. Then voices outside told of the return of Colonel and Mrs. Baron. Denham stood up, murmured a hasty apology, and left the room. “Poor fellow!” Jack said aloud. (_To be continued._) FOOTNOTES: [1] Soult was recalled too soon, and this was done by Romana. In the year 1814 a marble monument was erected by the English Government at Coruña. FROCKS FOR TO-MORROW. BY “THE LADY DRESSMAKER”