. Gradually a tone of possession, almost of
command, crept in. Diana, astonished and amused, made no resistance.
These, she supposed, were West-Indian manners. The Colonies are like
healthy children that submit in their youth, and then grow up and order
the household about. What matter!

Meanwhile Mrs. Colwood looked a little pale, and confessed to a
headache. Diana was pleased, however, to see that she and Fanny were
getting on better than had seemed to be probable in the morning. Fanny
wished--nay, was resolved--to be entertained and amused, Mrs. Colwood
threw herself with new zest into the various plans Diana had made for
her cousin. There was to be a luncheon-party, an afternoon tea, and so
forth. Only Diana, pricked by a new mistrust, said nothing in public
about an engagement she had (to spend a Saturday-to-Monday with Lady
Lucy at Tallyn three weeks later), though she and Muriel made anxious
plans as to what could be done to amuse Fanny during the two days.

Diana was alone in her room at night when Mrs. Colwood knocked. Would
Diana give her some lavender-water?--her headache was still severe.
Diana new to minister to her; but, once admitted, Muriel said no more of
her headache. Rather she began to soothe and caress Diana. Was she in
better spirits? Let her only intrust the entertaining of Fanny Merton to
her friend and companion--Mrs. Colwood would see to it. Diana laughed,
and silenced her with a kiss.

Presently they were sitting by the fire, Muriel Colwood in a large
arm-chair, a frail, fair creature, with her large dark-circled eyes, and
her thin hands and arms; Diana kneeling beside her.

"I had no idea what a poison poverty could be!" said Muriel, abruptly,
with her gaze on the fire.

"My cousin?" Diana looked up startled. "Was that what she was saying to
you?"

Muriel nodded assent. Her look--so anxious and tender--held, enveloped
her companion.

"Are they in debt?" said Diana, slowly.

"Terribly. They seem to be going to break up their home."

"Did she tell you all about it?"

Mrs. Colwood hesitated.

"A great deal more than I wanted to know!" she said, at last, as though
the words broke from her.

Diana thought a little.

"I wonder--whether that was--what she came home for?"

Mrs. Colwood moved uneasily.

"I suppose if you are in those straits you don't really think of
anything else--though you may wish to."

"Did she tell you how much they want?" said Diana, quickly.

"She named