ger would have called last night to inquire about
Dot's health, after such an accident. But for you not to do it, was
criminal. If you have aught to say why sentence should not now be passed
on you, speak now or forever--no--that's the wedding ceremony, isn't it?
Not criminal sentence--though, on second thought, there's not much
difference."

"Did you expect me, Miss D'Alloi?"

Miss D'Alloi was looking at a shelf of law books with her back to Peter,
and was pretending great interest in them. She did not turn, but said
"Yes."

"I wish I had known that," said Peter, with the sincerest regret in his
voice.

Miss D'Alloi's interest in legal literature suddenly ceased. She turned
and Peter had a momentary glimpse of those wonderful eyes. Either his
words or tone had evidently pleased Miss D'Alloi. The corners of her
mouth were curving upwards. She made a deep courtesy to him and said:
"You will be glad to know, Mr. Stirling, that Miss D'Alloi has suffered
no serious shock from her runaway, and passed a good night. It seemed to
Miss D'Alloi that the least return she could make for Mr. Stirling's
kindness, was to save him the trouble of coming to inquire about Miss
D'Alloi's health, and so leave Mr. Stirling more time to his grimy old
law books."

"There, sir, I hope you are properly crushed for your wrong-doing,"
cried Watts.

"I'm not going to apologize for not coming," said Peter, "for that is my
loss; but I can say that I'm sorry."

"That's quite enough," said Leonore. "I thought perhaps you didn't want
to be friends. And as I like to have such things right out, I made papa
bring me down this morning so that I could see for myself." She spoke
with a frankness that seemed to Peter heavenly, even while he grew cold
at the thought that she should for a moment question his desire to be
friends.

"Of course you and Peter will be friends," said Watts.

"But mamma told me last night--after we went upstairs, that she was sure
Mr. Stirling would never call."

"Never, Dot?" cried Watts.

"Yes. And when I asked her why, she wouldn't tell me at first, but at
last she said it was because he was so unsociable. I shan't be friends
with any one who won't come to see me." Leonore was apparently looking
at the floor, but from under her lashes she was looking at something
else.

Whatever Peter may have felt, he looked perfectly cool. Too cool,
Leonore thought. "I'm not going to make any vows or protestations of
friendship,"