little indrawn. To her there was a curious change in his expression. His
cheekbones seemed to have become higher. The pupils of his eyes had
narrowed. Even while she looked at him, he moistened a little his dry lips
with the tip of his tongue. Then, as though conscious of her observation,
all these things vanished. He advanced to the table, respectfully refilled
his master's glass from the decanter of port, and retreated again. Ella
withdrew her eyes. A queer little feeling of uneasiness disturbed her for
the moment. It passed, however, as in glancing away her attention was once
more attracted by the sparkle of the jewels upon her bosom. Lord Ashleigh
raised his glass.

"Our love to you, dear," he said. "Take care of the jewels, but take more
care of yourself. Your mother and I will come to New York as soon as we
can. In the meantime, don't forget us amidst the hosts of your new friends
and the joy of your new life."

She gave them each a hand. She stooped first to one side and then to the
other, kissing them both tenderly.

"I shall never forget!" she exclaimed, her voice breaking a little. "There
could never be any one else in the world like you two--and please may I go
to the looking-glass?"


3.

The streets of New York were covered with a thin, powdery snow as the very
luxurious car of Mrs. Delarey drew up outside the front of the Leeland
Hotel, a little after midnight. Ella leaned over and kissed her hostess.