My father rose, muttering to himself, and cast a lurid glance at me, as he
went in high displeasure to the door. Cousin Monica, now flushed a little,
glanced also silently at me, biting the tip of her slender gold cross, and
doubtful how much I had heard.

My father opened the door suddenly, which he had just closed, and looking
in, said, in a calmer tone--

'Perhaps, Monica, you would come for a moment to the study; I'm sure you
have none but kindly feelings towards me and little Maud, there; and
I thank you for your good-will; but you must see other things more
reasonably, and I think you will.'

Cousin Monica got up silently and followed him, only throwing up her eyes
and hands as she did so, and I was left alone, wondering and curious more
than ever.




CHAPTER XV

_A WARNING_


I sat still, listening and wondering, and wondering and listening; but
I ought to have known that no sound could reach me where I was from my
father's study. Five minutes passed and they did not return. Ten, fifteen.
I drew near the fire and made myself comfortable in a great arm-chair,
looking on the embers, but not seeing all the scenery and _dramatis