Her ladyship’s somewhat lengthy diatribe had afforded Everard time to recover his self-possession. “Lady Pell,” he returned with some emotion, “that in you I have all along had a friend I have felt assured in my own mind, but I must confess I did not think that the feelings with which I regard Miss Thursby had betrayed themselves so plainly on the surface as they seem to have done. However, you have surprised my secret, and I am confident it could not be in better keeping. You deem me dilatory, in that I have so long delayed putting my fortune to the touch; but there is one circumstance I may be permitted to urge in extenuation of which I feel assured you have no knowledge. Six months ago I proposed to Miss Thursby and was rejected. Can you wonder, then, if I hesitate and seem to shilly-shally before venturing to run the same risk again?” “That is something which I never so much as suspected,” replied her ladyship. “Yes, that certainly puts a somewhat different complexion on the affair. But I would not let myself be too much discouraged by it if I were you, Mr. Lisle.” “I don’t think I let it discourage me overmuch,” said Everard with a smile. “Only, as I said before, it lies at the back of my apparent hesitation.” “Then take the advice of an old woman who has seen something of the world, and hesitate no longer.” “Ah! then you think I have a chance of success?” exclaimed Lisle with a sudden glow which seemed to irradiate him from head to foot. “You have seen something—you know something?” “Not quite so fast, my young friend, if you please,” said her ladyship in her dryest accents. “I know nothing—absolutely nothing. No whisper in connection with yourself and her has ever passed Miss Thursby’s lips to me. As for what I have seen, or may have fancied I have seen, that is a matter of no moment and concerns no one but myself. Still, I say to you as I said before: were I in your place I should hesitate no longer. Are you prepared to seize the first occasion that offers itself?” “After what has passed between us, I should indeed be a coward not to do so.” “Very well then, the needful opportunity shall be given you after luncheon this afternoon.” CHAPTER XL. “LOVE TOOK UP THE HARP OF LIFE” Everard Lisle seemed to tread on air as he walked beside Lady Pell to the custodian’s cottage, where they found Mrs. Tew and Ethel awaiting them. Luncheon was ready and they at once sat down to it. They made a very merry little party, Everard in especial being in the gayest of spirits.