"Miss Duge," he said, "we have known one another for some time, although
chance has never been very kind to me in the way of bringing us
together. Now I am going to tell you something which I dare say will
surprise you. When I saw you in the park this morning, I was on my way
to call upon you."

She raised her eyebrows. She was certainly surprised.

"Do you mean that?" she asked.

"I mean it," he answered.

"But why? I have seen so little of you. I had no idea that you knew even
what had become of me since I had left my father."

"I am going to explain everything by and by," he said, "but first of all
I want to ask you one question. Do you know anything about this illness
of your father's? Do you believe that it is a genuine thing, or that he
has some motive of his own for keeping to his room?"

A faint smile parted Stella's lips.

"I begin to understand," she murmured. "I must admit that I was puzzled
at your sudden interest in me."

"Does it need any particular reason?" he asked, looking at her
admiringly.

Stella, who was conscious of a new hat and a very becoming gown, laughed