her chair, every word I had ever known in my life died from memory, I
could not think of one thing to say.

Bending over the picture, I asked if she were fond of drawing, and then
I hated myself for the utter imbecility of the question.

When at once the blue eyes were raised to mine all constraint died away;
they kindled a fire in my heart that nothing could ever extinguish.

"Miss Thesiger," I said, "I should be so pleased if I could excite your
interest in my sister."

"Have you a sister?" asked Lady Thesiger. "I did not know it; I am
afraid she will think me very remiss."

I told them all about Clare, speaking, as was my fashion, with my heart
upon my lips, telling them of her sweetness, her patience, her long
illness, her cheerful resignation. Agatha forgot her reserve, Lady
Thesiger looked deeply interested, and when I had finished speaking, the
tears were in my eyes.

Lady Thesiger held out her hand.

"You have quite touched my heart, Sir Edgar; I shall not rest until I
have seen Miss Trevelyan."

"Nor I," added the daughter.

I turned eagerly to her.