ggie. "So long as
you do not ignore her, she is happy. But you may set your mind at rest
as regards to-morrow. I have never let off a gun in my life, and I am
sensible enough not to begin on bears."

De Chauxville made a suitable reply, and remained by the piano talking
to the two young ladies until Etta rose and came toward them. He then
crossed to the other side of the room and engaged Paul in the discussion
of further plans for the morrow.

It was soon time to dress for dinner, and Etta was forced to forego the
opportunity she sought to exchange a word alone with De Chauxville. That
astute gentleman carefully avoided allowing her this opportunity. He
knew the value of a little suspense.

During dinner and afterward, when at length the gentlemen came to the
drawing-room, the conversation was of a sporting tendency. Bears,
bear-hunting, and bear stories held supreme sway. More than once De
Chauxvilie returned to this subject. Twice he avoided Etta.

In some ways this man was courageous. He delayed giving Etta her
opportunity until there was a question of retiring to bed in view of the
early start required by the next day's arrangements. It had been finally
settled that the three younger ladies should drive over to a woodman's
cottage at the far end of the forest, where luncheon was to be served.
While this item of the programme was arranged De Chauxville looked
straight at Etta across the table.

At length she had the chance afforded to her, deliberately, by De
Chauxville.

"What did you mean?" she asked at once.

"I have received information which, had I known it three months ago,
would have made a difference in your life."

"What difference?"

"I should have been your husband, instead of that thick-headed giant."

Etta laughed, but her lips were for the moment colorless.

"When am I to see you alone?"

Etta shrugged her shoulders. She had plenty of spirit.

"Please do not be dramatic or mysterious; I am tired. Good-night."

She rose and concealed a simulated yawn.

De Chauxville looked at her with his sinister smile, and Etta suddenly
saw the resemblance which Paul had noted between this man and the
grinning mask of the lynx in the smoking-room at Osterno.

"When?" repeated he.

Etta shrugged her shoulders.

"I wish to speak to you about the Charity League," said De Chauxville.

Etta's eyes dilated. She made a step or two away from him, but she came
back.

"I shall not go to the luncheon to-