always looks at me with such
interest, and has such a kind manner, and says things that convey so
much. But if he really cares for me, why does he not say so? He knows
papa would consent, and--but he does not know that; I never--Ah! here
she is at last! Come in! Where have you been, Gladys? It really is too
provoking that you should have stayed so long, when you knew that I
particularly wanted you to-day.' Gladys enters the room pale and
breathless, just as Miss Gwynne is endeavouring to fasten in the wreath
of forget-me-nots and lilies. She does not turn round, and is at the
moment too much engrossed with her own appearance to think of Gladys.

'Come quickly and finish my hair, and put in this wreath. We ought to be
starting now.'

Gladys obeys without speaking, and steadying her nerves and fingers as
best she may, begins to arrange a most elegant and becoming wreath round
her young mistress's head. Whilst she does this, and afterwards dresses
her and fastens on the turquoise ornaments, she endeavours to collect
her thoughts, and to summon courage for what she has resolved to do and
say.

Gladys has long known Miss Gwynne's secret; as she discovered that she
did not care for Rowland, so she has found out that she cares over much
for Colonel Vaughan. She now knows that he is not worthy of her, and
that if he should ever ask her to marry him, it would be that he might
gain possession of Clanyravon, and not of the warm, sincere heart of its
mistress. Gladys feels sure that a man who could say such words as
Colonel Vaughan said to her, whether meant seriously or not, could not
be worthy of Miss Gwynne; and she determines to open that young lady's
eyes to the real state of his mind, even if she loses her favour for
ever by so doing.

'I shall save her,' thinks Gladys, 'if I ruin my own happiness.'

When the dressing is completed, Freda stands before a cheval glass to
see that all is right. Gladys has never before seen her examine every
portion of her attire so minutely, or look so satisfied with the survey.
In truth she never before saw her look so handsome, or so perfectly well
dressed. The full, light, many-skirted blue dress, with its bouquets of
forget-me-nots and lilies, its fringes and ribbons, suits so well the
fine complexion of the very distinguished-looking girl who wears
it--whilst the wreath slightly crowns the well-shaped head, and falls
gracefully down the neck and back in becoming simplicity and elegance