oon be
embarked upon a convalescence. The paper appeared to regard the accident
as safely over, and the patient as returning to health.

For Mrs. Cricklander, well-skilled in the manipulating of reporters in
her own country, knew exactly what impression she wished to give to the
press. And she had no intention of the idea getting abroad that her
injured visitor was in a very exhausted condition, because there were
those she knew who would suggest that she had bagged him while he was at
her mercy--when, later on, they heard the news of her engagement, which
she felt was each day growing more certain of becoming a fact. And in
Halcyone's brave heart not a doubt ever entered--she waited and believed
and endured, in silent pain.

After Arabella's unfortunate announcement, for two or three days John
Derringham was too ill to know or care what occurred, and then other and
further tormenting thoughts began to trouble his weary brain.

If Halcyone had a stepmother who had come and taken her away, there were
then more persons than her ancient aunts to reckon with. She could not
now slip off into a secret marriage with himself with small chance of
awkward questionings. That phase of the dream was over, he felt.

No letters of any sort were given him by the doctor's strict orders, and
his private secretary had come down, an amiable and intelligent youth,
and was dealing with the necessary official correspondence--as best he
could--growing each day more infatuated with his fair hostess who felt
that no pawn on the chessboard which contained John Derringham as king
was worth neglecting. The Professor was not enjoying his fortnight in
London, and almost tugged his silver beard out while he smoked
innumerable pipes. He had come to some conclusions.

John Derringham having been unable to keep the tryst with Halcyone was
plainly the working of the hand of Fate, which did not intend that his
sweet girl should occupy the invidious and humiliating position of
secret wife and apparent mistress to the ambitious young man. Therefore
he--Arnold Carlyon--had no right to assist her again into John
Derringham's arms. They must both suffer and work out their destinies
however cruel that might seem.

"If John really feels she is a necessity, he will brave everything and
marry her openly as soon as he is well. If he does not--then I will not
assist her into a life of misery and disillusion."

He remembered a talk they had had long ago, when h