to Eustace--her betrothed. Canon Ebley viewed the Times and its
holder with suspicion for an instant, but its stillness reassured
him, and he addressed his niece.

"Very civil of the Embassy to send us a card for the reception to-
morrow night, Stella; I am glad we wrote names when we arrived.
Your Aunt Caroline bids you accept, as her spectacles are
upstairs."

Miss Rawson did as she was bid, and her uncle waited, fidgeting
with his feet. He wished the stranger to put down the Times, which
he wanted himself--or, at all events, remove his long legs and
hidden body from such a near proximity to his niece; they could
not say a word that he could not overhear, Canon Ebley mused.

However, the unknown remained where he was, and turned a page of
the paper with great deliberation.

"Your aunt will be ready to go out again now," the Uncle Erasmus
announced, as Stella placed her acceptance in the envelope. "You
had better go up and put your hat on, my dear."

The Times rustled slightly--and Stella replied a little hurriedly:
"I was just finishing a letter, uncle, then I will come."

"Very well," said Canon Ebley, not altogether pleased, as he
walked away with the note.

The newspaper was lowered a few inches again, and the wise blue
eyes beneath the saintly parted hair twinkled with irresistible