“I will do anything you wish,” the young man returned, although he was not very well pleased with this latter commission, for he had anticipated a pleasant drive and chat with Virgie, as it had been his intention to attend her home. “I do particularly wish this,” Lady Linton said, with decision. “It would not be proper for Lillian to come by herself, and I do not quite like to alarm her or tear her away so early while she is enjoying herself so much. Ah! here come my wraps,” she concluded, with a sigh of relief, as a servant appeared with them. She put them on with nervous haste, and then turning to her brother, said, almost peremptorily: “Come, William, I am ready.” “In one moment, Miriam.” He had stepped back and was standing before Virgie, who, keenly sensitive regarding Lady Linton’s evident aversion to her, had withdrawn herself from her immediate presence. He held out his hand to her, saying, as he smiled almost tenderly down on her upturned face: “It has been a great pleasure to me to meet you. I trust we shall see each other again soon.” “I think you will, Uncle Will,” Rupert interposed, in a tone that made his guardian turn and regard him searchingly, while he said to himself: “I do believe the young scamp is in love with her. I would not wish a more charming little wife for him, but I am afraid it will be rather hard on Lillian.” “Thank you, Sir William,” Virgie returned, and there was a slight tremor in her voice, for the presence of this man thrilled her strangely. “I am sure the pleasure has been mutual, and I should feel very sorry if I thought I should not meet you again.” “William!” interrupted his sister, impatiently; and giving the soft hand he was holding a last, lingering pressure, the baronet turned away, with a sigh, and attended his sister to her carriage, while Rupert took Virgie to the drawing-room, where he sought Lillian, to inform her of her mother’s sudden indisposition and departure. An hour later Mrs. Alexander and Virgie retired, for the former was not strong yet, and therefore unequal to very much dissipation. Rupert attended them to their carriage, but just as they were about to enter it an elegant coupe drew up beside it, and Mrs. Alexander’s attention was instantly attracted by a device that was emblazoned upon one of its panels. She stopped with her foot upon the step, and turned for a nearer view. A startled, surprised look came into her face. The coat of arms represented a patriarchal cross, while underneath it there were stamped the words, “_Droit et Loyal._” “Whose carriage is that?” Mrs. Alexander asked of Rupert. He glanced in the direction indicated. “That is Lady Linton’s,” he replied; “she has sent it back for Lillian.” “Lady Linton’s!” repeated Mrs. Alexander, with a start, while she thought it a little strange that he should speak so familiarly of her daughter and be so well informed of the lady’s movements.