'Well, that is not a very remarkable thing. Now, if he said he didn't, I'd answer his letter by telling him I thought him very original; but as it is, Kate, you cannot say anything more complimentary than that you have every reason to believe his judgment in this matter is perfectly sound.' 'And--and he says he'd like I'd like him.' Marie rose and went to the window, and put her arm silently round the other girl's waist and drew her softly towards her. 'And I think,' went on Kate, averting her head, 'he must have gone to George's room early this morning and taken George with him.' Marie said nothing, but drew Kate still closer to her. Kate went on,-- 'And I am in a great difficulty, for this letter ought to be answered at once; and George is out, and I don't know what to say, so I have come to you for advice.' 'Do, Kate, whatever you think best.' 'If I was to do what I should like, I'd call a cab and drive to the railway station, and go home at once, without answering the letter at all.' 'But that would be cruel to him, and I suppose he has not done anything to annoy or offend you.' 'Oh no, he has been most kind. I do not mean to do anything of the sort. I mean to answer his letter at once, but I don't know what to say.' 'The only way I can help you is to suggest that you write him such a letter as you would have wished me to write if George had written to me. Can't you do that?' 'I'll try!' Marie kissed Kate, and Kate sobbed awhile, and then went back to her own room to answer Nevill's offer of love. That evening late she posted the following letter to Nevill, addressed to the care of Messrs Stainsforth & Co., Lombard Street:-- 'Dear Mr Nevill,--I am greatly pained to think you should have thought we avoided you yesterday. When we were called out of the drawing-room we were introduced to the husband of a great friend of Miss Gordon's. He asked us to dinner, and we promised to go. When we got back to the drawing-room you had gone. George must have forgotten to leave a message with the servants for you. 'You have done me honour far above my merits in offering me your love. I was unprepared for anything of the kind. I will be quite frank with you. I have never thought of marrying, and have never thought of your asking me to marry you. My feelings towards you are those merely of friendship, and more I cannot promise. I hope you will believe me that I have a sincere regard for you, nothing more. If I have given you any cause to think I looked on you in any other light than that of a friend, I hope you will forgive me. Believe me, I never thought of you as anything else. 'Let me again thank you for the honour you have done me, and ask your forgiveness for any uneasiness I have unknowingly caused you; and I wish you all the happiness and success in the world, and that you may soon forget KATE OSBORNE.'