somewhat coldly.

De Stancy's secret thought was, I hope from my soul it will belong some
day! He answered with mildness: 'There is a sort of connection--you are
my sister's friend.'

Paula assented.

'And hence, might not your friend's brother photograph your picture?'

Paula demurred.

A gentle sigh rose from the bosom of De Stancy. 'What is to become of
me?' he said, with a light distressed laugh. 'I am always inconsiderate
and inclined to ask too much. Forgive me! What was in my mind when I
asked I dare not say.'

'I quite understand your interest in your family pictures--and all
of it,' she remarked more gently, willing not to hurt the sensitive
feelings of a man so full of romance.

'And in that ONE!' he said, looking devotedly at her. 'If I had only
been fortunate enough to include it with the rest, my album would indeed
have been a treasure to pore over by the bivouac fire!'

'O, Captain De Stancy, this is provoking perseverance!' cried Paula,
laughing half crossly. 'I expected that after expressing my decision
so plainly the first time I should not have been further urged upon the
subject.' Saying which she turned and moved decisively away.

It had not been a productive meeting, thus far. 'One word!' said De
Stancy, following and almost clasping her hand. 'I have given offence, I
know: but do let it all fall on my own head--don't tell my sister of
my misbehaviour! She loves you deeply, and it would wound her to the
heart.'

'You deserve to be told upon,' said Paula as she withdrew, with just
enough playfulness to show that her anger was not too serious.

Charlotte looked at Paula uneasily when the latter joined her in the
drawing-room. She wanted to say, 'What is the matter?' but guessing that
her brother had something to do with it, forbore to speak at first. She
could not contain her anxiety long. 'Were you talking with my brother?'
she said.

'Yes,' returned Paula, with reservation. However, she soon added, 'He
not only wants to photograph his ancestors, but MY portrait too. They
are a dreadfully encroaching sex, and perhaps being in the army makes
them worse!'

'I'll give him a hint, and tell him to be careful.'

'Don't say I have definitely complained of him; it is not worth while
to do that; the matter is too trifling for repetition. Upon the whole,
Charlotte, I would rather you said nothing at all.'

De Stancy's hobby of photographing his ancestors seemed to become a
perfect mania wit