la was in her boudoir, writing down some notes previous to beginning
her wedding toilet, which was designed to harmonize with the simplicity
that characterized the other arrangements. She owned that it was
depriving the neighbourhood of a pageant which it had a right to expect
of her; but the circumstance was inexorable.

Mrs. Goodman entered Paula's room immediately behind Charlotte. Perhaps
the only difference between the Paula of to-day and the Paula of last
year was an accession of thoughtfulness, natural to the circumstances in
any case, and more particularly when, as now, the bride's isolation made
self-dependence a necessity. She was sitting in a light dressing-gown,
and her face, which was rather pale, flushed at the entrance of
Charlotte and her aunt.

'I knew you were come,' she said, when Charlotte stooped and kissed
her. 'I heard you. I have done nothing this morning, and feel dreadfully
unsettled. Is all well?'

The question was put without thought, but its aptness seemed almost to
imply an intuitive knowledge of their previous conversation. 'Yes,' said
Charlotte tardily.

'Well, now, Clementine shall dress you, and I can do with Milly,'
continued Paula. 'Come along. Well, aunt--what's the matter?--and you,
Charlotte? You look harassed.'

'I have not slept well,' said Charlotte.

'And have not you slept well either, aunt? You said nothing about it at
breakfast.'

'O, it is nothing,' said Mrs. Goodman quickly. 'I have been disturbed
by learning of somebody's villainy. I am going to tell you all some time
to-day, but it is not important enough to disturb you with now.'

'No mystery!' argued Paula. 'Come! it is not fair.'

'I don't think it is quite fair,' said Miss De Stancy, looking from one
to the other in some distress. 'Mrs. Goodman--I must tell her! Paula,
Mr. Som--'

'He's dead!' cried Paula, sinking into a chair and turning as pale as
marble. 'Is he dead?--tell me!' she whispered.

'No, no--he's not dead--he is very well, and gone to Normandy for a
holiday!'

'O--I am glad to hear it,' answered Paula, with a sudden cool
mannerliness.

'He has been misrepresented,' said Mrs. Goodman. 'That's all.'

'Well?' said Paula, with her eyes bent on the floor.

'I have been feeling that I ought to tell you clearly, dear Paula,'
declared her friend. 'It is absolutely false about his telegraphing to
you for money--it is absolutely false that his character is such as that
dreadful picture represe