pride made easy the task of those who seemed combined
to keep her in ignorance.

It was a Dr. von Horn, who had been oftenest with
her father, who gave her the first intimation of
what was forthcoming. Afterward, in recollecting
the conversation, it seemed to Virginia that the young man
had been directed to break the news to her, that her
father might be spared the ordeal. It was evident then
that he expected opposition, but the girl was too loyal
to let von Horn know if she felt other than in harmony
with the proposal, and too proud to evince by surprise
the fact that she was not wholly conversant with its
every detail.

"You are glad to be leaving Singapore so soon?" he had
asked, although he knew that she had not been advised
that an early departure was planned.

"I am rather looking forward to it," replied Virginia.

"And to a protracted residence on one of the Pamarung Islands?"
continued von Horn.

"Why not?" was her rather non-committal reply, though
she had not the remotest idea of their location.

Von Horn admired her nerve though he rather wished that
she would ask some questions--it was difficult making
progress in this way. How could he explain the plans