is quite useless to plead, deep as my sympathy is for you."

The man rose and eyed her with an expression that was particularly
unpleasant to behold. Miss Elting returned her strange visitor's gaze.
Something other than his looks repelled her, yet there was nothing in
either manner or words to account for this feeling of repulsion on the
part of the guardian.

"In case anything should occur to make it necessary for us to look
further for a guide I shall remember you," she said slowly. "I suppose
I can reach you here at Compton?"

"N--n--no," was the hesitating answer. "But if you need me, I'll he
about. Mark what I tell you, Jan Grubb is going to get you into a fine
mess! You will be sorry you ever engaged him; that's all I've got to
say about it. Good night, lady."

"Good night, Mr. Collins," replied the woman coldly. His final words,
so full of rancor, had destroyed what little sympathy he had aroused in
her. Miss Elting stood aside while the man stepped toward the door.

At this juncture Harriet Burrell appeared in the doorway leading to the
hall. She had missed Miss Elting, and, not finding the guardian in her
room, had come downstairs in search of her. Harriet had not known that
the guardian was engaged.

"Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss Elting. I did not know--I thought you
were alone."

"It is all right. Come in, Harriet. What did you wish?"