away on somebody else." And
now he had come to the decision to offer her his hand, heart, and fortune
without delay. He was rich enough, and why should he keep her in suspense
any longer?

He indulged in a few trivial commonplaces, then invited her to take a turn
with him on the deck.

But she declined with thanks, "he must excuse her for she was greatly
fatigued and must retire at once." And with a kindly "Good-night," she
withdrew to her state-room, Edward again giving her the support of his
arm.

Philip was literally struck dumb with surprise, and did not recover his
speech until she was gone.

Edward returned presently, and as he resumed his seat by Philip's side the
latter asked, "Is your sister out of health, Ned?"

"No; but we are just off a long and fatiguing journey; she was not at her
best state either when we left home, because of care and nursing of the
sick children. And in addition to all that she is enduring much grief and
anxiety."

"May I ask on what account?"

"Yes; I have no objection to telling you the whole story, considering what
old acquaintances we are, and the life-long friendship of our mothers.
Lester Leland, Elsie's betrothed, is lying very ill in Rome, and we are
making all haste to join him there."

"Her betrothed!" cried Philip, starting to his feet, "her betrothed did
you say? why--why, I've always expected to marry her myself; thought it
was an understood thing in both families, and----"

"I am sure I do not know upon what grounds you entertained such an idea,"
returned Edward in a tone of mingled indignation and disgust.

"Grounds, man! I'm sure it would seem the most natural thing in the
world--each the eldest child of intimate and dear friends--and I have
never made any secret of my preference for her----"

"Which amounts to nothing unless it had been reciprocated."

"Reciprocated! I've always thought it was, and delayed speaking out
plainly only because I considered myself safe in waiting to grow a little
richer."

"In which you were egregiously mistaken. Now let me assure you once for
all, that Elsie never has and never will care for any man in that way but
Lester Leland."

At that Philip turned and walked rapidly away. "I'd rather have lost all
I'm worth!" he muttered to himself. "Yes; every cent of it. But as to her
never caring for anybody else if that fellow was out o' the way, I don't
believe it. And he may die; may be dead now. Well, if he is I'll keep a
sha