is wiser to confess at once and I will try to pardon you."

Stella's spirit rose--she raised her head proudly, then she
remembered her lover's counsel to have no arguments whatsoever,
and so she curbed her heated words and continued gently:

"I have not been led astray, Aunt Caroline, and there is nothing
to pardon. I am twenty-one years old now and surely can judge for
myself whether or no I wish to marry a man--and I have decided I
do not intend to marry Eustace Medlicott. I almost feel I detest
him."

Mrs. Ebley was petrified with anger and astonishment.

"I am sorry to tell you I cannot believe you, Stella," she said,
"your fiance had a most unpleasant shock last night. The foreign
person, Count Roumovski, who was presented to us at the Embassy,
insulted him greatly, and told him that you had agreed to marry
him as soon as Eustace should set you free! I almost blush to
repeat to you this shocking story which we had considered the
ravings of a madman, but the time has come when we must have some
plain speaking."

"It has indeed," Stella agreed, her wrath rising, then went on
respectfully, "but I must refuse to discuss anything about Count
Roumovski at present. Please believe me that I do not wish to
annoy you, dear Aunt Caroline. I only wish to do what is right,
and I know it is right to break off my engagement with Eustace
Medlicott."