of inflexible
determination that even the ardent Lily refrained from pressing her any
further.

My curiosity was considerably excited by finding myself an exception to
the general rule. Was the inference to be drawn from Miss Latouche's
behaviour flattering, or the reverse? I had no chance of finding out
until late in the afternoon, when the rain ceased and we all gladly
seized the opportunity of getting some exercise before dinner.

The different members of the party quickly dispersed in opposite
directions. A few exceptionally active young people tried to make up for
lost time by starting a game of tennis on the cinder courts. Some
diverged towards the stables, others took a brisk constitutional up and
down the gravel path. Under the pretence of lighting a cigar, I
contrived to wait about near the door until I saw Miss Latouche crossing
the hall. I remember thinking how wonderfully handsome she looked as she
came forward with a crimson shawl thrown over her head--for it was one
of her peculiarities never to wear a conventional hat or bonnet unless
absolutely obliged.

"What do you say to going up the hill on the chance of seeing a fine
sunset?" I said, as she joined me. She nodded assent, and turning away
from the others, we began to climb a winding path, from the top of which
there was supposed to be a wonderful view. When we had gone about a
quarter of a mile, we stopped and looked round. Far out in front
stretched a beautiful valley lighted by gleams of fitful sunshine. The
house and garden lay at our feet, but so far below that we only
occasionally heard a faint echo from the tennis courts. The moment
seemed propitious.

"Miss Latouche," I said abruptly, "I want to ask you something."

No sooner were the words spoken than it struck me they were liable to be
misunderstood. She might imagine that I intended to make her an offer,
and accept me on the spot. Infinitely as I admired her in an abstract
fashion, I had never contemplated matrimony for a moment. Visions of
enraged male relatives armed with horse-whips, followed by a formidable
breach of promise case, flitted through my mind. There was no time to be
lost.

"It's only about the fortune-telling," I stammered out; "nothing else, I
assure you--nothing at all!"

"I knew it," replied Miss Latouche calmly and without a trace of
embarrassment.

Sensible girl! I breathed freely once more and proceeded with my
investigations.

"Why wouldn't you tell my f