esentations to your family, and such affairs; but I
have nothing to say to you: why should we talk when once these things
are settled? You must accept me as I am, or leave me alone--that is
all"--and then her temper made her add, in spite of her uncle's warning,
"for I do not care!"

He turned now; he was a little angry and nearly flared up, but the sight
of her standing there, magnificently attractive, stopped him. This was
merely one of the phases of the game; he should not allow himself to be
worsted by such speeches.

"I expect you don't, but I do," he said. "I am quite willing to take you
as you are, or will be."

"Then that is all that need be said," she answered coldly. "Arrange with
my uncle when you wish me to see your family on my return; I will carry
out what he settles. And now I need not detain you, and will say
good-bye." And bowing to him she walked towards the door.

"I am sorry you feel you want to go so soon," he said, as he sprang
forward to open it for her, "but good-bye." And he let her pass without
shaking hands.

When he was alone in the room he realized that he had not given her the
engagement ring, which still reposed in his pocket!

He looked round for a writing table, and finding one, sat down and wrote
her a few words.

"I meant to give you this ring. If you don't like sapphires it can be
changed. Please wear it, and believe me to be

"Yours,

"Tancred."

He put the note with the little ring-case, inclosed both in a large
envelope, and then he rang the bell.

"Send this up to the Countess Shulski," he said to the footman who
presently came. "And is my motor at the door?"

It was, so he descended the stairs.

"To Glastonbury House," he ordered his chauffeur. Then he leaned back
against the cushions, no look of satisfaction upon his face.

Ethelrida might be having tea, and she was always so soothing and
sympathetic.

Yes, her ladyship was at home, and he was shown up into his cousin's own
sitting-room.

Lady Ethelrida Montfitchet had kept house for her father, the Duke of
Glastonbury, ever since she was sixteen when her mother had died, and
she acted as hostess at the ducal parties, with the greatest success.
She was about twenty-five now, and one of the sweetest of young women.

She was very tall, rather plain, and very distinguished.

Francis Markrute thought her beautiful. He was fond of analyzing types
and breeds, and he said there were those who looked as if they h