Meanwhile Mrs. Belswin, quite unaware how dearly her attempt to see Oates had cost her, was seated in company with Kaituna and Archie Maxwell at afternoon tea, and the trio were talking about the Pole Star shares, the expected arrival of Toby Clendon, and, of course, about the approaching marriages. "And you will be perfectly happy, Kaituna," said Mrs. Belswin, looking wistfully at her daughter--the daughter whom she dare not acknowledge. Kaituna caught hold of Archie's hand, with a quick flush and a look of delight in her large black eyes. "Yes, perfectly happy," she replied, smiling. "We are going to be the Darby and Joan of romance, are we not, Archie?" "I trust so, dear; but Darby and Joan! Oh, what a prosaic comparison. No! Kaituna we will be--let me think--we will be like Lord Lovel and Lady Nancy Bell in the old ballad." "Fie, that is a worse comparison than mine! They were unhappy, and if a red rose and a briar did grow out of their respective graves, I don't know that such a miracle proves your case." "Well, you certainly ought to be happy," said Mrs. Belswin, with a quick sigh, as she realised how soon she was to lose the girl she loved. "Health, wealth, and love--what a trinity of perfections." "All of which are to be found in Kaituna. But you, Mrs. Belswin, what about Signor Ferrari?" "Oh, I have not made up my mind yet to marry him, Mr. Maxwell; besides, I have another offer." "Another offer?" cried Kaituna, gaily. "Oh, fortunate woman; and from whom?" "Mr. Samson Belk." "Oh!" said Maxwell, smiling, "he is the other Romeo in the field. Well, he is certainly very handsome----" "And is very fond of me," interrupted Mrs. Belswin, quickly. "But all the same I am not for him." "Nor for Signor Ferrari either?" laughed Kaituna, going over to her chaperon and putting her arms round her neck. "Ah, there is a third person." "I think you can pretty well guess whom that third person is," said Mrs. Belswin, kissing the girl; "but Mr. Maxwell is going to rob me of my third person." "I cannot deny the soft impeachment," replied Archie, with a gay nod. "As soon as Toby comes home we will be married." The talk was certainly frivolous; but then, after all the trials these three people had undergone, it was a great relief to chatter idly in a desultory manner, especially when all three beheld the brightness of the future. For them the storms and trials of life had passed--so they fondly thought; and the elder woman, looking back at the dismal past, thanked God in her heart for the peaceful present, while the lovers saw before them nothing but a shining path, strewn with roses, leading to the paradise of perfect felicity. At this moment a knock came at the door, and the servant entered with a frightened look on her face. "Oh, mum," she said, going quickly to Mrs. Belswin, "there are three gentleman to see you." "Who are they?" asked Mrs. Belswin, in some surprise, never thinking for a moment of the coming storm.