marriage, and all the kinder, for you were the queen of the night, yet
had a word for poor little me."

Mrs. Snowdon was pale to the lips, and Maurice impatiently tapped the
arm of his chair, while the girl innocently chatted on.

"I am sorry the general is such an invalid; yet I dare say you find
great happiness in taking care of him. It is so pleasant to be of use to
those we love." And as she spoke, Octavia leaned over her cousin to hand
him the glove he had dropped.

The affectionate smile that accompanied the act made the color deepen
again in Mrs. Snowdon's cheek, and lit a spark in her softened eyes. Her
lips curled and her voice was sweetly sarcastic as she answered, "Yes,
it is charming to devote one's life to these dear invalids, and find
one's reward in their gratitude. Youth, beauty, health, and happiness
are small sacrifices if one wins a little comfort for the poor
sufferers."

The girl felt the sarcasm under the soft words and drew back with a
troubled face.

Maurice smiled, and glanced from one to the other, saying significantly,
"Well for me that my little nurse loves her labor, and finds no
sacrifice in it. I am fortunate in my choice."

"I trust it may prove so--" Mrs. Snowdon got no further, for at that
moment dinner was announced, and Sir Jasper took her away. Annon
approached with him and offered his arm to Miss Treherne, but with an
air of surprise, and a little gesture of refusal, she said coldly: