Phyllys joined in for a while, then wandered a short distance, and gave herself up to the study of the Jungfrau. No look of "chalk" now! Something in the state of the morning atmosphere must have caused that aspect. The mountain-mass reared its mighty head in majestic style, and broad reaches of snow descended low like trailing skirts of white. Higher peaks were partly hidden by drifting clouds, but one and another appeared in turn: and each moment the mountain altered, the shapes of rifts and hollows changing as she gazed. A clear basin of snow, for a time visible, vanished utterly. She watched with interest the Schynige Platte, where the Forsyths had promised to take her. In the far distance she could make out a tiny mountain-train creeping slowly up the steep sides, carrying a minute cloud of steam. Glancing to make sure that she was not wanted, she received a nod from Mrs. Forsyth; and she wandered farther, getting among trees. It was evident that her friends were in no hurry to move. Suddenly her heart gave a throb, stopped, then beat furiously. Could it be—Giles? A big man, broad-shouldered, sat alone at a small table; his face turned half away. The shape of his powerful shoulders; the attitude; the manner in which he leaned his head on one hand; the grave immobility—all indicated Giles. He seemed to be deep in thought; lost to his surroundings. She was not near enough to make out more. She stood partly behind a tree, gazing. Whether or not in consequence of her gaze, he turned, and she had a glimpse of his strong sunburnt profile. "Giles!" she whispered. Why had Mrs. Keith denied his presence? But the face looked older than when she had seen him last; not thinner; not paler; only markedly older. She almost thought his hair had gained a touch of grey. Could he have been in some terrible trouble lately? Was there some mystery about him, hidden by Mrs. Keith, sufficient to account for his refusal to come to S. Jacques? It was all bewilderment; and she began to wonder if she were dreaming. She put her hands over her eyes for three or four seconds. When she looked again, the figure was gone. [Illustration: SUDDENLY HER HEART GAVE A THROB.] She went slowly back, in a dazed condition, questioning whether it had been a trick of the imagination. She wished now that she had gone nearer, to make sure. Yet, no! For if Giles were there, and chose to avoid her presence, it was not for Phyllys to go after him. To the Forsyths she said nothing of what she had seen or imagined. On arrival they found that Mrs. Keith had retired to her room. "Madame" had been a long time away, the Swiss girl said, when questioned. She had twice been out in the morning, and had received two telegrams; and then she had said that she would get fresh air on the lake.