Archie's expression of sympathy," she began.

"Yes! You sound like it!" said Lady Wolfer, laughing. "My dear, why
don't you get angry oftener? It suits you. Your face just wants that
dash of color; and I'd no idea your eyes were so violety! You can give
me a kiss if you like--mind the ink! Ah, Nell, some day some man will go
mad over that same face and eyes of yours. Well, don't marry a
politician, or a man who thinks it undignified to care for his wife!
There, do go!"

As Nell went away, puzzled by Lady Wolfer's words and manner, her
ladyship let her head fall upon her hand, and, sighing deeply, gazed at
the "proof" as if she had forgotten it.

Nell did not send for Madame Cerise, but purchased a skirt of black lace,
and set to work to make up the bodice. She was engaged on this one evening
two nights before the dinner, when Burden came in with:

"A gentleman to see you, miss. He's in the library. It's Mr. Lorton,
your brother, I think----"

Nell was on the stairs before the maid had finished, and running into
the library, had got Dick in her arms--and his brand-new hat on the
floor.

"Dick! Oh, Dick! Is it really you?"

"Yes; but there won't be much left of me if you continue garroting me;
and would you mind my picking up my hat? It is the only one I've got,
and we don't grow 'em at Shorne Mills! Why, Nell, how--yes, how thin
you've got! And, I say, what a swagger house! I'd always looked upon
mamma's swell relations as a kind of 'Mrs. Harrises,' until now."

He nodded, as he endeavored to smooth the roughened silk of his hat.

"Mamma--tell me; she is all right, Dick?"

"Oh, yes. I've got no end of messages. She's had your letters, all of
'em; and she hopes that you are taking advantage of your splendid
position. Is it a splendid position, Nell? They seemed to think me of
some consequence when I mentioned, dissembling my pride in the
connection, that I was your brother."

Nell nodded.

"Yes, yes; it is all right, and I am quite--happy. And Shorne Mills,
Dick, are they all well?"

"And kicking. I've got a hundred messages which you can sum up in 'love
from all.' And, Nell, I've only time to say how are you, for I'm going
to catch the Irish mail. Fact! Bardsley & Bardsley are sending me to
some engineering work there. How's that for high? Ah, would you!"
gingerly whisking his hat behind him. "Keep off; and, Nell, how's
Drake?"

The abrupt question sent the blood rushing through Nell's face, and then
a