fter Madeline's engagement two letters were handed to her. One
in Charlie's handwriting, short and affectionate; full of the exuberance
of the newly affianced, touchingly happy. The other one she opened,
feeling somewhat moved, as she recognised the handwriting of Rupert
Denison. To her utter astonishment she found it was four sheets of his
exquisite little handwriting, and it began thus:

"MY DEAR, MY VERY DEAR MADELINE,--The last note I had from
you--now nearly a month ago--came to me like a gift of silver
roses. I did not answer it, but during the dark days in which I
have not seen you, I have been learning to know myself. You
wondered, perhaps, how I was occupied, why you did not hear from
me again--at least I hope you did. ("I didn't, for I knew only
too well," Madeline murmured to herself.) Now I have learnt to
understand myself. Sometimes almost inhumanly poetic you have
seemed to me, and others; when I remembered your simple refined
beauty you suggested the homelike atmosphere that is my dream."

She started and went on reading.

"Madeline, do you understand, all this time, though perhaps I
hardly knew it myself, I loved you. I love you and shall never
change. It is my instinct to adore the admirable, and I know now
that you are the most adorable of creatures. No words can
describe your wonderfulness, so I send you my heart instead.

"I think, dear, our life together will be a very beautiful one.
It will be a great joy to me to lead you into beautiful paths.
How glad I shall be to see the bright look of your eyes, when
you greet me after this letter! What a perfect companion you
will be! Write at once. I have much more to say when we meet.
When shall this be? Your ever devoted and idolising

"RUPERT.

"_P.S._--I propose not to make our engagement public quite yet,
but to keep our happiness to ourselves for a few weeks, and be
married towards the end of the summer. What do you say, my
precious Madeline?"

Madeline was at once delighted and horrified. How characteristic the
letter was! Why had she not waited? There was no doubt about it, she had
made a mistake. Rupert was the man she loved--notwithstanding his taking
everything so for granted. Charlie must be sacrificed. But she must tell
Rupert what had happened, of course.

After sending a telegram to Rupert asking him to meet her at a picture
ga