going out with her, or going out again at all?"

"No," said Titia, with her head bent down.

It was always Christian's belief--and practice--that to accuse a child,
unproved, of telling a lie, was next to suggesting that lies should be
told. She always took truth for granted until she had unequivocal
evidence to the contrary.

"Very well," she said, kindly. "Is that a nice book you have? 'Arabian
Nights?' Then sit and read it quietly till you go to bed. Good-night, my
dear."

She kissed her, which was always a slight effort; it was hard work
loving Titia, who was so cold and prim, and unchildlike, with so little
responsiveness in her nature.

"I hope all is safe for today," thought Christian, anxiously, and
determined to speak to Titia's father the first opportunity. He was
dining in hall today, and afterward they were to go to the long-delayed
entertainment at the vice chancellor's, which was to inaugurate her
entrance into Avonsbridge society.

Miss Gascoigne was full of it; and during all the time that the three
ladies were dining together, she talked incessantly, so that, even had
she wished, Mrs. Grey could not have got in a single word of inquiry
concerning Miss Bennett. She however, judged it best to wait quietly
till the cloth was removed and Barker vanished.

Christian was not what is termed a "transparent" character; that is, she