in," said Ensal.

"I took occasion to discuss you rather freely last night, and I seem to
have given mortal offense to Miss Merlow, who appears to be madly in
love with you."

Ensal was perplexed and knew not what to say.

"Where is Miss Merlow?" asked Ensal.

"She became so indignant that she left my house last night. When you win
people's love to such a degree as that, you ought to post your friends
so that they may be careful. Miss Merlow has gone to Mrs. Crump's. I
shall offer you no explanation of my course until you have heard from
Miss Merlow. Now leave me and go to her." Much mystified at the strange
turn of events, Ensal took his departure.

The postman early that same morning had left the following note at Mrs.
Crump's for Tiara.

"Ensal Ellwood is a noble young man. You loved him and did not
know it. I have opened your eyes. Forgive me, dear, but I could
not see two, whom I regard so highly, so far apart. As for
Ellwood, the lad has never had his right mind since he first
met you.

"MADGE CRAWFORD."

That day a telegram came to Mrs. Crawford's for Tiara and she carried it
to the latter forthwith. When the two met there was a mischievous
twinkle in Mrs. Crawford's eyes and the light of happiness in Tiara's.
When Tiara read the telegram she appeared much disturbed. That night she
left Almaville. When she returned she bought her a home on the outskirts
of the city, took Mrs. Crump to live with her, and denied herself to all
her former Almaville friends, Ensal included. Eunice Volrees or
Seabright, had come to stay with Tiara and the latter had for the sake
of Eunice shut herself out from all her friends.

CHAPTER XIV.

_Alene and Ramon._

Alene Daleman and Ramon Mansford stood within the vestibule of the
former's home. Ramon's arm was around Alene's waist and her beautiful
black eyes were upturned to his, as if to say, "Fathom the love we tell
of, if you can." Down stoops Ramon and plants a fervent, lingering kiss
upon the lips of the girl he loves, saying, as he stroked her hair,

"The last token of love until the minister has his say."

"Let me have a last, too," said Alene, tiptoeing to plant a kiss upon
Ramon's lips, and thus the two parted.

Light of heart, Alene went tripping to Foresta's room and said:

"Foresta, as you know, the house is full of people who have come from a
distance to attend my wedding.