After some more conversation, they went downstairs to look at the
decorations; and greatly to Yanna's surprise, the lunch bell rang; and
Mrs. Filmer came through the corridor towards the two girls. She
kissed Yanna in her usual manner, and said: "We are going to have a
very early lunch, Yanna; stay, and eat it with us."

"I promised father to be home at noon--I did not know it was so
late--I must go home at once--I do hope you will have a lovely time
to-night--I am sure you ought to have." She was talking with nervous
haste, and only desirous to reach the door before any unpleasant
remark could be made. Mrs. Filmer looked at her white face and
embarrassed manner curiously; and turning to Rose, she said:

"Rose, go to Harry's room, and insist upon his seeing you. Tell him
Yanna is here; and he must come down to lunch. He has just refused to
do so," she added, "and I cannot imagine what is the matter." When
Rose had disappeared, she turned to Yanna and said: "Perhaps you can
tell me, Yanna?"

"Indeed, I cannot!" Yanna replied, making a motion as if to proceed to
the door; which motion Mrs. Filmer prevented by placing her hand
lightly upon the girl's shoulder.

"Yanna, my dear, there is no need for deception. I know that Harry and
you are engaged. Why, then, pretend that you do not wish to see each
other? All I ask is, that you wait for a suitable time, and keep the
engagement secret. Under the circumstances, _that_ is as little as you
can do."

"Mrs. Filmer, there is no engagement between myself and Mr. Harry
Filmer; and, under the circumstances, there never will be. As for
'deception,' I cannot conceive of any condition in which I should
resort to it."

"No engagement!"

"None."

"Do you mean that you have refused to marry my son?"

"Under the circumstances, I felt obliged to do so."

"Well! I think it was very inconsiderate, I may say very impertinent
in you, to refuse Mr. Filmer. You have caused me much annoyance, Miss
Van Hoosen. I hope we shall be able to avoid each other in the
future."

"It will not be my fault if we do not. I am sorry to have grieved you,
for you have been kind to me, and I shall only remember your
kindness."

Mrs. Filmer bowed haughtily, and said, "Good morning, Miss Van
Hoosen," and Yanna felt almost as if she had been civilly told to
leave the house.

When Rose returned to the dining-room, Yanna had disappeared, and Mrs.
Filmer was calmly sipping her bouillon. "Harry will n