and you won't show it to Jasper?"

"If you wish me not, I won't, dearest. How hot your lips are, Judy, and
how flushed your face."

"I am just a wee bit shivery," said Judy, "but it's nothing, nothing at
all. I'll promise you not to fret, Hilda. Good-by, dear, dear, darling
Hilda."

"Good-by, my sweetest little treasure, good-by."

Hilda got into the carriage; her husband took his place by her side.
Mildred Anstruther tossed a great shower of rice after them, Miss Mills
and Babs hurled slippers down the avenue, Judy was nowhere to be seen.

"Hilda," said Quentyns, as they were driving to the station, "why did
you have such a very funny bouquet in church? You showed me Lady
Dellacoeur's flowers last night. Why didn't you wear them, darling?
Those harsh holly berries and leaves weren't in your usual taste."

"But you're not angry with me for carrying that little bouquet, Jasper,
are you?"

"My darling, could I be angry with you for anything?"

"The little bunch of holly was Judy's wedding present," said Hilda,
tears dimming her eyes; "I promised her that I would wear them. Sweet
little darling, my heart aches at leaving her."

Quentyns took Hilda's hand and held it firmly within his own. He said
some sympathetic words, for Hilda's slightest grief was grief to him,
but in his heart he could not help murmuring:

"That tiresome, morbid child. Poor darling Hilda, I must show her very
gently and gradually how terribly she is spoiling Judy."

CHAPTER VIII.

HONEYMOON.

The night is in her hair
And giveth shade for shade,
And the pale moonlight on her forehead white
Like a spirit's hand is laid;
Her lips part with a smile
Instead of speakings done:
I ween, she thinketh of a voice,
Albeit uttering none.

--MRS. BARRETT BROWNING.

A month later Mrs. Quentyns was sitting in one of the largest hotels at
Rome waiting for her husband to come in. The day was so balmy and genial
that it was almost impossible for Hilda to believe that the time of year
was early February. Dressed in dark-green velvet, with a creamy feather
boa lying by her side, Hilda sat amidst all her unaccustomed
surroundings, her eyes looking straight down the lofty room and her
thoughts far away. The bride was thinking of her English home--she was
an intensely happy bride--she loved her husband devotedly--she looked
forward to a good and blessed life by his side, but still (and