ue envelope bearing her own name.
When all the other letters were distributed, she slipped hers into the
pocket of her dress, without any one perceiving the action.

Breakfast was over at last; and leaving Lord Airlie talking to Lillian,
Beatrice hastened to read the letter. None of Hugh's anger was there
set down; but if she had cared for him her heart must have ached at the
pathos of his simple words. He had received her note, he said--the
note so unworthy of her--and hastened to tell her that he was obliged
to go to London on some important business connected with his ship, and
that he should be absent three weeks. He would write to her at once on
his return, and he should insist upon seeing her then, as well as exact
the fulfillment of her promise.

It was a respite; much might happen in three weeks. She tore the
letter into shreds, and felt as though relieved of a deadly weight. If
time could but be gained, she thought--if something could happen to
urge on her marriage with Hubert Airlie before Hugh returned! At any
rate, for the moment she was free.

She looked like herself again when Lord Airlie came to ask her if she
would ride or walk. The beautiful bloom had returned to her face and
the light to her eyes. All day she was in brilliant spirits. There
was no need now to tremble at a loud ring or a rapid step. Three weeks
was a long time--much might happen. "Oh, if Lord Airlie would but force
me to marry him soon!"

That very evening Lord Airlie asked her if she would go out with him.
He wanted to talk to her alone, for he was going away on the morrow,
and had much to say to her.

"Where are you going?" she asked with sad, wondering eyes, her chance
of escaping seeming rapidly to diminish.

"I am going to Lynnton," he replied, "to see about plans for the new
buildings. They should be begun at once. For even if we remain abroad
a whole year they will then be hardly finished. I shall be away ten
days or a fortnight. When I return, Beatrice, I shall ask you a
question. Can you guess what it will be?"

There was no answering smile on her face. Perhaps he would be absent
three weeks. What chance of escape had she now?

"I shall ask you when you will fulfill your promise," he
continued--"when you will let me make you in deed and in word my wife.
You must not be cruel to me, Beatrice. I have waited long enough. You
will think about it while I am gone, will you not?"

Lord Earle smiled as he