Having made his plans, Mr. Cass proceeded to act upon them. He wished to see for himself if Ruth was really in love with Neil, and to learn, if possible, the depth and extent of her feelings. With this scheme in his mind, he was excessively genial to the young man, and at the breakfast-table on the following morning placed him next his daughter--a piece of folly which made Mrs. Marshall open her eyes. Ruth saw her aunt's look, and, in sheer defiance, allowed herself to behave towards Neil with a somewhat ostentatious friendliness. Naturally enough, Geoffrey Heron became sulky, while Miss Brawn and Mr. Marshall kept up a continuous chatter. "Well?" Inez said to her brother as they were preparing for church. "You are right," he said. "I have no doubt now of her feeling for him." "And you will deal with the matter?" "You can trust me. I know what to do." She was satisfied with this assurance, and set off in a devout frame of mind, and, taking Geoffrey with her, shewed him very clearly that she was on his side. Indeed, as they returned to the house after the Christmas service, he opened his heart to her. Mrs. Marshall told him that she had seen it all along, and that nothing on her part should remain undone that would aid in bringing about the marriage. "But she is in love with that fiddler-fellow," the disconsolate young man said. "Oh, my dear Mr. Heron," and Mrs. Marshall smiled, "that is only a girl's love for the arts. She admires his music, as we all do, and perhaps she shews her appreciation in rather a foolish way. But I cannot believe she loves him." "At all events she does not care for me." "Don't be too sure of that. The more she cares for you the more likely she is to try and conceal her feelings." "Why, in Heaven's name?" asked Geoffrey. Mrs. Marshall laughed. "Because it is the way of women," she said. "Do you think, then, that I ought to speak to her?" "Not just now. Wait till Mr. Webster and his too fascinating violin have taken their departure. Then she will forget this--this Bohemian." "Webster isn't a bad sort of fellow," Heron said, apologetically. "In spite of his long hair, he is something of a sportsman. He has seen a good deal of the world, too, and he is plucky in his own way. I like him well enough but, of course, I can't help feeling jealous. You see, I love Ruth--I may call her Ruth to you--so much." "There is no need for jealousy. Ruth will be your wife. I promise you that; you have me on your side." "I won't have her forced into the marriage," he said, sturdily. Mrs. Marshall brushed the suggestion aside.