"It is best we go at once."

The doctor looked at her searchingly--with the
eye of a scientist, this time, probing for a hidden
meaning.

"Then there is something else you have not told
me; someone is annoying her, or there is someone
with whom you are afraid she will fall in love. Who
is it? You know how I could help in a matter of that
kind."

"No; there is no one."

Doctor John leaned back thoughtfully and tapped
the arm of the sofa with his fingers. He felt as if a
door had been shut in his face.

"I don't understand it," he said slowly, and in
a baffled tone. "I have never known you to do a
thing like this before. It is entirely unlike you.
There is some mystery you are keeping from me.
Tell me, and let me help."

"I can tell you nothing more. Can't you trust
me to do my duty in my own way?" She stole a
look at him as she spoke and again lowered her
eyelids.

"And you are determined to go?" he asked in his