ns certain that he was satisfied with being
considered a relation, and treated in this cavalier manner.

CHAPTER VII.

THE FIRST CLOUD.

Mrs. Harrington had run up stairs for an instant, and stopped Mellen and
his bride on the landing for a few last words.

"I hope you are satisfied, Grantley," she said; "I have done my best; I
do hope you are pleased."

"My dear friend, everything has been perfect," he answered.

"I can't thank you for all your kindness to me," Elizabeth said, holding
out her hand; "but believe me, I feel it deeply."

"My dear, don't speak of it! Grantley and Elsie are like relatives to
me," cried Mrs. Harrington, "and I love you so much already! You looked
lovely--what a mercy we came off so well from our fright--"

"There is no time for pretty speeches," broke in Elsie, giving her a
warning glance, and pulling Elizabeth towards their dressing-room; "go
back to your guests, Mary Harrington; what will they do without you.
Besides, you must cover our retreat. We don't want to be stared at when
we go out."

But Mellen stood still after they had entered the chamber, and detained
Mrs. Harrington.

"What fright?" he demanded; "what did you mean?"

She was too thoroughly confused to remember her promise.

"Oh, nothing, nothing!" she said; "I have sold the horses, so it doesn't
make any difference."

"What do you mean?" he asked. "Have you had an accident?"

"No, no; the gentleman saved us--such a splendid creature! But it was so
odd. The moment Elizabeth looked in his face she fainted dead
away--courageous as a lion till then--just like a novel, you know. But
she said she never saw him before; it was really quite interesting."

Grantley Mellen turned suddenly pale; doubt and suspicion had been his
familiar demons for years, and it never required more than a word or
look to call them up.

He controlled himself sufficiently to speak with calmness, and Mrs.
Harrington was not observant; but he did not permit her to return to her
guests until he had heard the whole story.

"Don't mention it," she entreated; "I promised Elizabeth not to tell;
she thought you would be frightened, and perhaps displeased."

Mrs. Harrington hurried down stairs, and Mellen passed on to the chamber
which had been appropriated for his use. But his face had not recovered
its serenity, and Master Dolf, who presided over his toilet, did not at
all approve of such gravity on a man's wedding-day--having drank qu