Talbot
leaves in another hour, I think, so it is hardly fair to him to engross
your sister."

"But how do you know anything about Mr Talbot? I never told you,"
cried Nan in amaze; and Gervase smiled in his aggravating, lazy fashion
as he replied--

"Oh no, you simply said that `a friend of Lil--a friend of my brother
Jim' was staying with you at present. That was all, I think. You gave
me no information."

"Which means that I did, of course, and blurted out everything in my
stupid, headlong fashion," sighed Nan dolefully. "It doesn't matter
much in this case, for a good many people know; but mother wishes it
kept as quiet as possible, because--"

"Just so. But I assure you that even without your hint I should have
discovered for myself that they were at present engaged; so there is no
necessity to blame yourself."

Nan wheeled round upon him with flashing eyes.

"Why do you say `at present'?" she demanded; and Gervase smiled in
impenetrable fashion.

"Did I say so? Foolish slip! They are engaged, of course. I wish Miss
Lilias every happiness, and congratulate Mr Talbot on his good taste.
She is certainly a lovely girl."

"Oh, isn't she?" cried Lilias's sister gladly. "I knew you would say
so. You see now how absurd it was to mistake me for her, and what a
difference there is between us! I knew quite well you would be
surprised."

Gervase Vanburgh put back his head, and stared at her with a scrutiny
which was not without a touch of cynicism; but the eager face he met was
at once so frank and so honest, that the sneer faded from his lips and
gave place to a smile.

"Yes," he said slowly, "there is a great difference. I cannot imagine
two people more unlike. You are complete contrasts in every respect."

"She is so fair, and I am dark," sighed Nan, a trifle abashed by so
vehement an assent, but striving loyally to conceal her discomfiture.
"Lilias is our beauty, and we are all very proud of her; but you cannot
really know the family until you have met Maud. Maud is the eldest
sister, and the best and sweetest of them all. She isn't pretty, but
she is such a dear that every one loves her. `Maud of all work' Jim
calls her, because she is always helping other people and forgetting
herself."

"Most exemplary, I'm sure. Excellent example!" drawled Gervase with a
yawn, at the sound of which the last trace of Nan's patience gave way.
She stood still in the path and fixed him with a glittering ey