"and in the afternoon
we are to have our ride."

"And this is Jane," said Jack Romayne as Mrs. Waring-Gaunt ushered the
girl into his room. "If half of what I have heard is true then I am a
lucky man to-day. Kathleen has been telling me about you."

Jane's smile expressed her delight. "I think I could say the same of
you, Mr. Romayne."

"What? Has Kathleen been talking about me?"

"No, I have not seen Kathleen since I came, but there are others, you
know."

"Are there?" asked Jack. "I hadn't noticed. But I know all about you."

It was a hasty introduction for Jane. Kathleen was easily a subject for
a day's conversation. How long she discoursed upon Kathleen neither
of them knew. But when Mrs. Waring-Gaunt had finished up her morning
household duties Jane was still busy dilating upon Kathleen's charms
and graces and expatiating upon her triumphs and achievements during her
stay in Winnipeg the previous winter.

"Still upon Kathleen?" inquired Mrs. Waring-Gaunt.

"Oh, I am learning a great deal and enjoying myself immensely," said
Jack.

"You must be careful, Jane. Don't tell Jack everything about Kathleen.
There are certain things we keep to ourselves, you know. I don't tell
Tom everything."

Jane opened her eyes. "I have not told Jane yet, Sybil," said Jack
quietly. "She doesn't know, though perhaps she has guessed how dear to
me Kathleen is."

"Had you not heard?" inquired Mrs. Waring-Gaunt.

"No, I only came last night, you see." Then turning to Jack, she added,
"And is--is Kathleen going to marry you?" Her astonishment was evident
in her voice and eyes.

"I hope so," said Jack, "and you are no more astonished than I am
myself. I only found it out night before last."

It was characteristic of Jane that she sat gazing at him in silence; her
tongue had not learned the trick of easy compliment. She was trying to
take in the full meaning of this surprising announcement.

"Well?" said Jack after he had waited for some moments.

"Oh, I beg your pardon," she said hurriedly. "I congratulate you. I
think you are a very lucky man."

"I am, indeed," said Jack with emphasis. "And Kathleen? You are not so
sure about her luck?"

"Well, I don't know you yet," said Jane gravely, "and Kathleen is a very
lovely girl, the very loveliest girl I know."

"You are quite right," said Jack in a tone as grave as her own. "I am
not good enough for her."

"Oh, I did not say that. Only I don't know you, and you see I k