te young and boyish.
"September is lovely in Switzerland. The rush of tourists is over, and
the autumn tints are wonderful. But we ought to get off as soon as
possible. You will have to give up your week in bed, Miss Hilary!"

"I may as well give up bed altogether, I think, for I shall not sleep a
wink for thinking of it. Oh, father dear, you are good! I drink to
you!" And Hilary held up her teacup, bowing and smiling, and looking so
bright and pretty that it was a pleasure to see her.

Well, it was a happy hour, and the memory of it remained all the more
vividly because of the contrast which it afforded to the dark days which
followed. At twelve o'clock the same evening, Mr Bertrand took up his
candle and went the usual tour of inspection through the house. He
peered into the drawing-room, fragrant with plants and cut blossoms,
into the dining-room, where the village carpenters were already putting
up the horse-shoe table; into the pantry, where the more valuable
presents were locked away in the great iron safe. All was quiet and
secure. He returned to his study, and was just settling down for a
quiet read, when the sound of footsteps smote on his ear. He opened the
door, and started back at the sight of a white figure which came
floating towards him, with flowing locks and outstretched hands.

"What is it?--who is it? What is the matter?--_Lettice_!"

The next moment two arms were clasped round his neck; he felt the
heaving of breathless sobs, and an agonised voice called on him by
name--

"Oh, father, father! save me! save me! I can't go on! I can't marry
him! My heart will break--!"

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.

BROKEN PLANS.

The light was still dim the next morning when Hilary woke with a start
to find her father standing by her bedside. Even in the first sleepy
glance she was struck by the pale distress of his face, and sat up
hurriedly, pushing back the hair from her face, and murmuring a confused
"What--what--what?"

"My dear, I am sorry to disturb you, but I need your help." Mr
Bertrand seated himself on the edge of the bed, and took the girl's
hands in his. "Hilary, a great trouble has come upon us. Lettice
wishes to break off her engagement. She cannot bear the idea of
marrying Arthur Newcome. There will be no wedding on Thursday as we
expected."

Hilary stared at him with dazed eyes. Her awakening from sleep had been
so sudden, and the news was so overwhelming, that it was so