She had looked upon John Waring as a confirmed bachelor, and had not expected he would ever marry. Now, she declared, he was marrying only because he thought it wiser for a College President to have a wife as a part of his domestic outfit. Helen disagreed with her mother about this. She said Doctor Waring had begun to take a personal interest in the attractive Mrs. Bates before he had any idea of becoming President of the University. But it didn’t matter. The wedding was imminent, and Mrs. Peyton had received due notice that her services would be no longer needed. It was a blow to her, and it had made her depressed and disconsolate. Also, a little resentful, even spiteful toward Emily Bates. The housekeeper greeted Miss Austin with a cold smile, and then disregarded her utterly. Helen was frankly curious, and met the newcomer with full intention of finding out all about her. For Helen Peyton had heard of Miss Mystery from her friend and admirer, Robert Tyler, who, however, did not report that the girl had snubbed him more than once. One or two other guests were present and, having been told of Mrs. Bates’ arrival Doctor Waring and his secretary came from the study and joined the others at tea. With a welcoming smile, John Waring greeted his fiancee, and then Mrs. Bates turned to the girl she had brought. “Miss Austin,” she said, “let me present Doctor Waring. John,—Miss Anita Austin.” At that very moment Helen Peyton offered Waring a cup of tea, and he was in the act of taking it from her hand when Mrs. Bates made the introduction. The cup and saucer fell to the floor with a crash, and those nearest saw the Doctor’s face blanch suddenly white, and his hand clench on a nearby chair. But with a sudden, desperate effort he pulled himself together, and gave a little laugh, as he directed Nogi to remove the wrecked teacup. “Pick up the four corners, and carry it all off at once,” he ordered, pointing to the small rug on which the cup had fallen, and Nogi, a little clumsily, obeyed. “Pardon the awkwardness, Miss Austin,” he said, turning to smile at the girl, but even as he did so, his voice trembled, and he turned hastily away. “What is it, John?” asked Emily Bates, going to his side. “Are you ill?” “No,—no, dear; it’s—it’s all right. That foolish teacup upset my nerves. I’ll go off by myself for a few moments.” Somewhat abruptly, he left the room and went back to his study. Listening intently, Mrs. Bates heard him lock the door on the inside. “I’m sorry,” she said, turning to Anita, “but I know you’ll forgive Doctor Waring. He is under so much strain at present, and a foolish accident, like the broken teacup, is enough to give him a nervous shock.” “I know,” said the girl, sympathetically. “He must be very busy and absorbed.”