amount of his society, it was impossible
to refuse. She reaped the reward of merit in a growing liking and
admiration for her guest, who was even pathetically grateful for her
hospitality, and appreciative of the home atmosphere to which he had so
long been a stranger.

Business engrossed the greater part of the time, but there were odd
hours of leisure when the girls were suddenly commanded to get ready
with all possible speed, and spirited off for an afternoon on the river,
or on bicycle expeditions to the country, ending up with an evening meal
at some old-fashioned country inn. They were treated to concerts also,
and to entertainments of all sorts, including welcoming parties at
friends' houses, and when they bemoaned the speedy wearing out of
evening dresses, Miles insisted upon providing new ones, regardless of
expense.

"It's most grateful and comforting to have a gold-mine in the family,"
cried Jill, making languishing eyes at the senior partner. Of course
she flirted with him--Jill flirted with everything in the shape of a
man--monopolising his attention on all occasions in a manner which would
have been somewhat trying to most elder sisters.

"But I know you don't mind. You like best of all to be with Miles,"
said Jill easily, when some remark of the sort was made, and Betty's
reply held an unexpected tartness.

"I don't mind in the least. It is a matter of perfect unconcern to me
how Mr Gerard behaves; but you are my sister. I am sorry to see you
lowering your dignity, by being so silly, and flighty, and ridiculous!
I am sure he must laugh at you in private?"

"He laughs to my face, dear. I amuse him wonderfully. He told me
yesterday that I was as good as a tonic. Such a pity you should bother
your poor old head about me! _I_ understand men, my dear!"

The insinuation of that emphasised "I" was unmistakable. Jill began to
hum--an aggravating habit of hers when she felt the mistress of a
situation--and tripped lightly out of the room.

And Betty sat and thought. Burning like a furnace, throbbing in every
nerve, shaking her even as she sat, came a sudden fierce heat of anger
such as she had not experienced for many a long year. She had been
accustomed to regard Jill's flirtation from a mental height of
affectionate disdain, to laugh with purest amusement at her assumption
of superiority, but now of a sudden indifference had changed to anger
and a sore rankling of jealousy, which puzzled as