tle mystery that I told you
of--if indeed it is a mystery, and not a mere fancy."

Ruth sighed as if her spirit were slightly troubled. "Really, child,
you have quite raised my curiosity about that mystery as you call it.
Why will you not confide in me?"

"Because I may be all wrong, and when I find out that I'm right--if I
find out that I'm right--then you shall know all about it."

"And there's that chest, too, that the captain sent here for us to take
care of when he left town," continued Mrs Dotropy, "you make quite a
mystery about that too, for I see that you know something about it. If
I had not perfect confidence in your heart, child, I should feel quite
anxious, for it is the first time in your life that you have concealed
anything from me."

"Thank you, mother, for trusting my heart," said Ruth, putting an arm
round the dignified lady's neck and kissing her.

"That's all very well, Ruth, but I do not put so much trust in your
head."

"I'm sorry for that, Mother, but meantime my head says that while it
would be wrong in me to keep any secret about myself from you, I have no
right to reveal the secrets of others. But about this chest--has the
banker sent for it yet?"

"No, not yet but I expect some one from the bank every minute, (she
consulted a small jewelled watch), and it is probable that our young
friend Mr Dalton himself may come."

"Mr Dalton!" exclaimed Ruth, with a sudden flush that might have
indicated pleasure or annoyance. Mrs Dotropy, however, did not observe
the flush, but continued--

"The chest seems miraculously heavy. I told James to put it into the
store-room, but he could not lift it, although he is a strong man, and
had to get the butler's assistance."

At that moment the conversation was interrupted by the door being thrown
open, and Mr Dalton was announced.

He was a young man of handsome face and figure, with dark eyes, short
curly hair, and a pleasing address.

Apologising for not being more punctual in calling for the chest, he
explained that pressing-business had detained him.

"Of course, of course," said Mrs Dotropy, with the familiarity of an
old friend--for such she was to the youth--"you men of business always
carry about that cloak of pressing-business to cover your sins and
shortcomings with."

"Nay, you are unjust," said the young man, "I appeal to Miss Ruth. Did
I not say to Captain Bream that I might perhaps have difficulty in
getting away at the hour