He took her hands and pressed them hard. "Does it concern you, if he did?" he asked quickly, his eyes compelling hers with sudden fear. "I'm not sure that it would be best," she answered evasively, and he read in her eyes a shrinking from his scrutiny of her. Turning the conversation, he talked of their future life together, but the light had died from his eyes, and Betty noticed the effort of all his remarks. That night and the next day, she never ceased to think of Alma's note, and Frank's surmise. "Yes, all things are possible of George. Perhaps even"--then she stifled the thought. A sudden misery that seemed unbearable, demanded all her strength to overcome. She was bound in honor to Edgeway. How dared she even run her fancy so far! In the evening she was dressing to go out again with Frank, when the maid announced Dr. Cadman. Trembling, she grasped the chair. With effort she finished her toilet, almost too dazed to think. A vague fear possessed her. "I am weak," she said hopelessly. "O God, give me strength!" Her prayer was answered. She found herself descending to the parlor with an outward calm covering her inner pain. Dr. Cadman stood awaiting her. As she entered, he took her outstretched hand. "A long time away, Betty," he said, holding it fast, "but a short time considering all that has been accomplished. Alma wished me to come and tell you everything." "Yes?" she asked in a low tone. "You must tell me all about it. How is our dear Alma?" She sat down as she spoke, and he drew a chair near to hers. "Our Alma is well and ever so happy! Can you possibly realize it when I tell you she is re-united with Will!" Betty caught her breath and looked at him fearfully. "You are not glad for her?" he asked in surprise. "Yes, but--" she could not say anymore, but gazed at him piteously. "You are not glad, Betty?" Neither saw Edgeway at the door. George's back was to him, and Edgeway saw Betty's eyes looking at George with infinite longing. Edgeway turned, and slowly and thoughtfully went to his room. "Yes, I am very glad," said Betty. "You don't look it," he said gently. "Tell me girlie, what troubles you?" She smiled up at him bravely. "I have good news, too, not bad. I'm engaged to be married." "You? Why, who is the lucky man?" "Mr. Edgeway." "Well, my dear girl, I do wish you all the happiness in the world. You are sure you are happy, though?" he asked in deep concern. Betty dropped her eyes in confusion. At that moment, Mr. Mellor and the ladies entered the parlor, so Betty and George were no more alone. He did not stay long. As he said goodbye, he added, "Betty, you are hiding something from me. I must know what. I have to return to Chicago to arrange some details. When I come back, I shall call again." And so he left her, standing pale, but determined--determined to be true to Edgeway and save a soul. CHAPTER XXIII. "'Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all."