‘I do think you might exert yourself as far as that goes,’ said Hubert; but seeing that Alec was very unwilling to go, he dropped the subject, and soon afterwards left him. In a day or two, however, Alec received a note from Sophy Meredith, repeating the invitation in such terms that he found it impossible to decline it; and accordingly, a few days afterwards he found himself once more at Caen House, Highgate. The master of the house was not present at dinner. It was a late, cold spring; and Mr. Blake found it better to confine himself to his own room. Nothing of importance was said at the dinner-table; but Alec fancied that his hostess seemed brighter and franker than usual, and once or twice he observed a glance passing between her and his friend which he did not quite understand. When the little party returned to the drawing-room, Miss Elmwood at once settled herself comfortably in an easy-chair by the fire, and Sophy went over to the piano. Blake went up to her to help her to choose some music; and Alec, who was sitting close by, was surprised to see Sophy lay her hand in a familiar way on his friend’s arm, looking into his face with a bright smile as she did so. The next instant she caught Alec’s look, and, blushing deeply, she turned to Blake and whispered: ‘Did you not tell Mr. Lindsay that we are engaged?’ ‘No,’ he whispered in reply. ‘The fact is, the poor fellow looked so wretched, in mind as well as in body, that I did not like the idea of flaunting my happiness in his face. But go on playing, and I will tell him now.’ Sophy did as she was bid, but her performance had a good many slips in it. Meantime Blake had seated himself beside Alec, and answering his look, said: ‘Yes; Miss Meredith and I have been engaged about a week.’ ‘Why didn’t you tell me when you came to see me the other day? But I beg your pardon; I have no business to ask questions like that.’ ‘Not at all, my dear fellow. I--the fact is----’ ‘Surely you did not think I would grudge you your good fortune, or envy you?’ ‘Not that, certainly; and yet you seemed so depressed that I did not care to allude to the subject.’ ‘It is a comfort to know that there is some happiness yet in the world. Sometimes it seems to me there is very little of it left. And I am sure few people deserve a share of it better than you and Miss Meredith.’ ‘Don’t say that of me, Alec. It is very far from the truth.’ ‘I wish you joy with all my heart.’ ‘You, too, have had your little romance. I remember, at least, that when we were at Loch Long----’ ‘That is all over,’ said Alec quietly, but there was a sad, wistful look in his face. Presently he found an opportunity of congratulating Sophy on her engagement. ‘Thank you, Mr. Lindsay. But, do you know, I have something on my mind to say to you. I do hope you won’t be offended if I say it.’ ‘That means you are going to lecture me.’ ‘Oh no!’ ‘Only a spoonful of jam? I fear the pill is there all the same.’