eam to eat with
them."

Chapter VII.

"Will You Be My Wife?"

In spite of the exciting conversation of the last half-hour Mr. Abbot
appeared more than usually cheerful during tea. He was indeed more like
the brilliant, entertaining host that he used to be in their former
beautiful home in San Francisco, than Virgie had seen him since their
troubles had come upon them.

At the same, time the young girl wondered what could have occurred to make
their guest so silent and preoccupied. It was evidently an effort for him
to converse at all, while two or three times he was addressed more than
once before he responded, but his glance whenever it met hers thrilled her
strangely, and kept a beautiful flush upon her cheeks throughout the meal.

When it was concluded the two young people went out upon the porch to view
the sunset, while Mr. Abbot retired to his room where he began looking
over and rearranging the papers in his desk.

There was no need now to send that written history with its request for
fatherly care for Virgie, to Lawrence Bancroft. He had not a doubt as to
the result of Sir William Heath's wooing. He was sure that Virgie loved
him, and he was filled with a blessed content and fervent gratitude that
so bright a future was opening before his darling.

She would go to another country where none of the old troubles could touch
her, where no one would be able to point the finger of scorn at her and
whisper that her name had been branded with dishonor, and where,
surrounded by her noble husband's love and care, occupying a high social
position with every good thing that wealth could secure, her life would be
one long summer of peace and happiness.

Meantime an awkward pause had fallen between Virgie and her lover standing
outside upon the porch.

It was broken at last by the baronet with a very trite remark:

"What a warm evening."

"Yes, it has been a very warm day," answered Virgie, feeling very much
inclined to laugh, for never before had they been forced to talk of the
weather in order to keep up a conversation.

"Let us go to our seat under the old pine tree," said Sir William, and
without waiting for her consent, he stepped down to lead the way.

Virgie glanced at him questioningly.

The unusual gravity which she had observed during tea still rested upon
his face and vibrated in his tones.

She wondered at it, and yet, although she could not have told why, her
heart began to beat wit