Diana threw herself on her knees beside the bed and took the hand that was outside the rosy silk coverlet. "Dearest, I am not feeling very well to-day and you will destroy my poise if you say such things. My heart feels sore for some reason, so do not give it any blows. You know how Daddy and I think there is nobody in the world like you. Daddy was talking about it this morning and telling me how cute and pretty you were when he first knew you,"--Diana's voice began to quaver,--"told me about your dimples and everything, and how you were just as attractive to him now as you had been then, and"--Diana succumbed and tears fell on the hand she held--"and if I am ever married, Mamma,--I do so hope that in twenty-five years afterward--he--he will feel that way about me." One eye emerged from the cologne bandage and viewed the girl's lovely, bowed head. "Now, don't cry, Diana," firmly. "Why in the world should you cry? You have a wonderful life opening before you. You've known nothing yet but school, and I want you to spend a little time thinking of the possibilities of the future. With your looks and the money at your command, there is no social experience among the highest-placed and most cultivated people abroad and at home that you may not enjoy. You've heard the saying: 'Of the unspoken word you are master, the spoken word is master of you.' It is the same with actions. You are deliberate by nature, and exquisite by breeding. Never commit yourself to anything impulsively. No mother would be a good mother who did not say as much as this to you." Diana experienced a sudden stricture of the heart that dried her eyes and held her motionless over the hand she held. She knew all at once the cause of her parents' difference. She had never in her life been able to conceal anything from her father. She flushed deeply. Whatever he had said to her mother must have been in Philip's favor. With thoughts, humble, frightened, resentful, racing through her mind, she did not know how long she had been kneeling there when Léonie came in with soft step, and she looked up to see her mother's eye again eclipsed. She remembered Mrs. Lowell. "Léonie is here now and I must go, dearest. Mrs. Lowell has come out for some tea. Shall Léonie bring you some?" "No. I want nothing. I am feeling better, Diana. Don't distress yourself about me." The girl kissed the forehead above the bandage and passing Léonie saw that her eyes, too, were red. "I wonder if this day will ever be over", she thought dismally. She found her father and Mrs. Lowell having a visit, charming to each of them, and tea was served at once. While they were eating and drinking, the island steamer came into the cove and up to its landing. "I suppose our delightful musician friends are leaving on that boat," said Mrs. Lowell. "Shan't we stand at the rail, and wave a good-bye?"