he asked, and his eyes looked so anxious and worried
that it quite comforted me.

"I have rather a headache," I began, without thinking of what I was
saying, and then, (somehow I never can help telling him exactly how I
feel), I stopped, and contradicted myself flat. "I'm perfectly well,
but I think I'm jealous. I have been the only child for so long, and
now my poor little nose is out of joint, and I don't like it a bit. It
aches."

I thought he would sympathise and protest that I could never be
superseded, in his opinion at least, but he just sighed, and said
slowly--

"Yes, she is very lovely! It must be a great responsibility to have a
face as beautiful as hers, with all the influence over others that is
its accompaniment!" and looked straight across the room to where Vere
stood beneath the shaded lamp.

She was not looking in our direction; but, as if she felt his gaze
without seeing it, she turned her head slowly round and raised her eyes
to his, and so they stood while you could have counted ten, staring,
staring, straight into each other's eyes, and I saw the colour fade
gradually out of Vere's face, as though she were frightened by what she
saw. That is the way people fall in love! I've read about it in books.
They sort of recognise each other when they meet, even if they are
perfect strangers, and Lorna says it is the soul recognising its mate.
But I know well enough that Vere would never satisfy Will Dudley, and,
besides, there is Rachel--poor patient Rachel, who trusts him so
faithfully. I looked up quickly to see if he had turned pale also. He
was rather white, but there was a curious little smile about the corners
of his lips which quietened my fears. I should not have liked that
smile if I had been Vere. There was something contemptuous in it
despite its admiration, and a sort of defiance, too, as if he were
quite, quite sure of himself and secure from all temptation; but then
they do begin like that sometimes, and the siren weaves on them her
spells, and they succumb. I wonder how it will end with Vere and Will
Dudley!

CHAPTER SEVEN.

It is rather jolly having a house full of people; and father and mother
and Vere are so clever at entertaining. There is never any fuss nor
effort, and people are allowed to go their own way, but there is always
something to do if they choose to do it. I must say that, for grown-up
people, these visitors are very frivolous, and play about together