humiliated before Mrs. Falchion on the 'Fulvia'. Boyd Madras was in my
mind.

After a few minutes we parted, agreeing to meet again in the valley in
the evening. I had promised, as Mrs. Falchion had suggested, to escort
her and Justine Caron from the summer hotel to the mill. Roscoe had
duties at both Viking and Sunburst and would not join us until we all met
in the evening. Mr. Devlin and Ruth rode away towards Sunburst. Mrs.
Falchion, Justine, and myself travelled slowly up the hillside, talking
chiefly upon the events of the morning. Mrs. Falchion appeared to
admire greatly the stalwart character of Mr. Devlin; in a few swift,
complimentary words disposed of Ruth; and then made many inquiries
concerning Roscoe's work, my own position, and the length of my stay
in the mountains; and talked upon many trivial matters, never once
referring--as it seemed to me, purposely--to our past experiences on
the 'Fulvia', nor making any inquiry concerning any one except Belle
Treherne.

She showed no surprise when I told her that I expected to marry Miss
Treherne. She congratulated me with apparent frankness, and asked for
Miss Treherne's address, saying she would write to her. As soon as she
had left Roscoe's presence she had dropped all enigmatical words and
phrases, and, during this hour I was with her, was the tactful,
accomplished woman of the world, with the one present object: to make her
conversation agreeable, and to keep things on the surface. Justine Caron
scarcely spoke during the whole of our walk, although I addressed myself
to her frequently. But I could see that she watched Mrs. Falchion's face
curiously; and I believe that at this time her instinct was keener by far
to read what was in Mrs. Falchion's mind than my own, though I knew much
more of the hidden chain of events connecting Mrs. Falchion's life and