all speak to Aunt Elfrida. But I wish to see
Odalite first of all. I have not seen her since I saw her at the altar of
All Faith Church on that broken wedding day. Why does she seclude herself
so strictly? She is not indisposed. Aunt Elfrida told me she was better
and brighter than she had been for many weeks. Why, then, does she keep
her room?" inquired Le.

"I think, my dear lad, that she is indisposed, in one sense, at
least--very much indisposed to meet a mixed company. She joined us
yesterday both at dinner and at tea."

"But I was not here!" exclaimed Le.

"No, you were not here, or you would have seen her. To-day she has kept
her room to avoid our visitors. It is a very natural reserve, under the
circumstances, as you must admit, Le."

"Yes; but now they have all gone. Will she be in the parlor this evening,
do you suppose?"

"No, my lad. I asked that question of her mother, who told me that Odalite
was busily engaged and much interested in making things for the
Sunday-school Christmas tree, and so would not come down this evening.
But, Le, you may see her to-morrow morning. You will stay all night here,
of course," said Mr. Force.

"I believe they will expect me home at Greenbushes to-night; but, after
all, they are too much accustomed to my eccentric comings and goings to be
the least uneasy at my absence; so I think I will please myself and stay,
thank you, Uncle Abel," replied the youth.

"That is settled, then," said Mr. Force, as he arose to lead the way back
to the drawing room.

CHAPTER XXXVII

LEONIDAS AND ODALITE AGAIN

Leonidas arose on the morning of Christmas Eve with one thought
predominant in his mind: He should see Odalite--see her for the first time
since that eventful day when her marriage with Angus Anglesea was broken
at the altar.

How would she appear? How would she receive him? Would she consider his
friendly and most delicate advance an intrusion?

He could not answer this question to himself.

Was she really reconciled to her fate? Or was she only, from a sense of
honor and of duty, repressing her emotions?

He could not judge.

Her mother had told him that she was better in health and brighter in
spirits than she had been for many weeks.

Was this real or assumed on her part?

He did not know; but he felt sure that he should discover the truth when
he should see her.

Now that the villain who had come between them was entirely out of the
way--forever and