speech until she was gone.

Edward returned presently, and as he resumed his seat by Philip's side the
latter asked, "Is your sister out of health, Ned?"

"No; but we are just off a long and fatiguing journey; she was not at her
best state either when we left home, because of care and nursing of the
sick children. And in addition to all that she is enduring much grief and
anxiety."

"May I ask on what account?"

"Yes; I have no objection to telling you the whole story, considering what
old acquaintances we are, and the life-long friendship of our mothers.
Lester Leland, Elsie's betrothed, is lying very ill in Rome, and we are
making all haste to join him there."

"Her betrothed!" cried Philip, starting to his feet, "her betrothed did
you say? why--why, I've always expected to marry her myself; thought it
was an understood thing in both families, and----"

"I am sure I do not know upon what grounds you entertained such an idea,"
returned Edward in a tone of mingled indignation and disgust.

"Grounds, man! I'm sure it would seem the most natural thing in the
world--each the eldest child of intimate and dear friends--and I have
never made any secret of my preference for her----"

"Which amounts to nothing unless it had been reciprocated."