who stood waiting to precede me upstairs,
and announce me.

'Mr. Hinton,' said the man; and the words echoed in the empty
drawing-room, as he closed the door behind me. The next moment I heard
the rustle of a silk dress, and Miss Bellew came out of the boudoir and
walked towards me. Contrary to her usual habit--which was to hold out
her hand to me--she now came timidly, hesitatingly forward, her eyes
downcast, and her whole air and appearance indicating, not only the
traces of sorrow, but of physical suffering.

'Mr. Hinton,' said she, in a voice every accent of which vibrated on my
heart, 'I have taken the liberty to ask a few moments' interview with
you; for, although it is not only probable, but almost certain, we shall
not meet again, yet I wish to explain certain portions of my conduct,
and, indeed, to make them the reason of a favour I have to ask at your
hands.'

'Permit me to interrupt you for a moment,' said I. 'It is evident how
painful the matter you would speak of is to you; you have no need of
explanation, least of all to me. By accident, I overheard that which,
however high my esteem for Miss Bellew before, could but elevate her in
my eyes. Pass then at once, I beseech you, to what you call a favour;
there is no service you can seek for----'

'I thank you,' replied she, in a voice scarcely articulate; 'you have,
indeed, spared me much in not asking me to speak of what it is misery
enough to remember. But it is not the first time my unprotected position
in this house has exposed me to outrage: though assuredly it shall
be the last.' The tone of indignation she spoke in supplied her with
energy, as she hurriedly continued: 'Already, Mr. Hinton, persons have
dared to build a scandal upon the frail foundation of this insolent
wager. Your name has been mixed up with it in such a way that no
possible intercourse could exist between us without being construed into
evidence of a falsehood; therefore, I have made up my mind to ask you to
discontinue your visits here, for the few days I may yet remain. I have
already written home; the answer may arrive the day after to-morrow;
and, while I feel that I but ill repay the hospitality and kindness I
have received, and have met with, in closing the door to a most valued
guest, I am assured you will understand and approve my motives, and not
refuse me my request.'

Delighted at the prospect of being in some way engaged in a service,
I had listened with a throbbing