r was under the mistaken impression that it was
her duty to show her disapproval by every act and look, and the result
was disastrous. Every morning Lettice awoke with the doleful question,
"How am I to get through the day?" Every night she went to bed hugging
the thought that another milestone had been passed, and that the
probation was nearer to its end. By the end of the month her friends'
efforts had so nearly succeeded in making her honestly in love with
Arthur Newcome, that they marked the girl's bright eyes and happy
smiles, and told each other sadly that it was no use standing out
further.

Arthur Newcome wrote to Mr Bertrand announcing his arrival in London,
and asking permission to call and receive his answer from Lettice's
lips, and there was nothing to do but to consent forthwith. An hour was
appointed for the next afternoon, and Lettice spent an unconscionable
time in her bedroom preparing for the great occasion, and trying to
decide in which of her dainty garments Arthur would like her best. Her
father had taken himself into the City after a conversation in which he
had come perilously near losing his temper, and when Lettice floated
into the drawing-room, all pale green muslin and valenciennes insertion,
looking more like an exquisite wood nymph than a creature of common
flesh and blood, there sat Miss Carr crying her eyes out on a corner of
the ottoman.

"Oh, Lettice, Lettice! is it too late? Won't you listen to reason even
at the eleventh hour? It is the greatest folly to enter into this
engagement. Never were two people more unsuited to each other! You
will regret it all your life. My poor, dear child, you are wrecking
your own happiness..."

It was too bad! For almost the first time in her life Lettice felt a
throb of actual anger. She had been docile and obedient, had consented
to be separated from Arthur for a whole month, and done all in her power
to satisfy these exacting people, and even now they would not believe
her--they would not allow her to be happy. She stood staring at Miss
Carr in silence, until the servant threw open the door and announced her
lover's arrival.

"Mr Newcome, ma'am. I have shown him into the morning-room as you
desired."

Lettice turned without a word and ran swiftly downstairs to the room
where Arthur Newcome was waiting for her in painful anxiety. For three
long years he had tried to win the girl's heart, and had failed to gain
a sign of affection.