of the man would not have been enough to have silenced him could he
have found adequate words in which to answer Mistress Horton. But even
as he racked his mind, the footman's voice broke the silence, and the
words the fellow uttered did what his presence alone might not have
sufficed to do.

"Mr. VaIlancey is asking for you, sir," he announced.


Richard started. Vallancey! He had come at last, and his coming was
connected with the impending duel. The thought was paralyzing to
young Westmacott. The flush of anger faded from his face; its leaden
hue returned and he shivered as with cold. At last he mastered himself
sufficiently to ask:

"Where is he, Jasper?"

"In the library, sir," replied the servant. "Shall I bring him hither?"

"Yes - no," he answered. "I will come to him." He turned his back upon
the ladies, paused a moment, still irresolute. Then, as by an effort,
he followed the servant across the lawn and vanished through the ivied
porch.

As he went Diana flew to her cousin. Her shallow nature was touched
with transient pity. "My poor Ruth..." she murmured soothingly, and
set her arm about the other's waist. There was a gleam of tears in
the eyes Ruth turned upon her. Together they came to the granite seat
and sank to it side by side, fronting the placid river. There Ruth,
her elbows on her knees, cradled her chin in her hands, and with a sigh