The bitterest chagrin was working in my soul. I felt as if all
were deserting me-a sickening feeling of loneliness. I did not
know the man who was in me, and was a stranger to myself.

"I entreat you to tell me why, and where."

"Since you have made me this offer, I will tell you why. Lady
Meryon objected to my friendship with you, and objected in a way
which-"

She stopped, flushing palely. I caught her hand.

"That settles it!-that she should have dared! I'll go up this
minute and tell her we are engaged. Vanna-Vanna !"

For she disengaged her hand, quietly but firmly.

"On no account. How can I make it more plain to you? I should
have gone soon in any case. My place is in the native city - that
is the life I want. I have work there, I knew it before I came
out. My sympathies are all with them. They know what life is -
why even the beggars, poorer than poor, are perfectly happy,
basking in the great generous sun. Oh, the splendour and riot of
life and colour! That's my life - I sicken of this."

"But I'll give it to you. Marry me, and we will travel till
you're tired of it."

"Yes, and look on as at a play - sitting in the stalls, and
applauding when we are pleased. No, I'm going to work there."