a little stretching, covered my debts. To be
sure, Green had to part pretty freely, but his pater will get it out of
some one else. Now, my idea is to realize what remains of my slender
fortune, and try my luck in Australia. You see, my darling, you are all
right, for all your money will be settled on yourself; so that if I smash
up there, the worst that can happen will be your having to maintain me
till I can 'strike ile,' or bring out a patent horse-medicine, or become
riding-master to young ladies."

"I put my veto on the last," laughed Cecil. "But really, Bertie, I can
hardly believe such good news as your being actually cleared up at last;
indeed, I almost feel a sentimental attachment to your debts, for it was
about them you first got confidential that Spring you stayed with us in
England."

"That visit did my business for life," said Bertie, with a wooer's usual
disregard of veracity. "But you are far more beautiful now, Cecil, than
you were then."

Not even Du Meresq could persuade Cecil that she had any claims to boast
of on that score; indeed, she had once overheard him say that he hardly
ever admired dark women, so she passed it by with a half smile of
incredulity, as she observed,--

"I really begin to have some faint hope of papa consenting. Your being
out of debt will weigh tremendously with him."

"And I am sure you will like Australia," cried he, enthusiastically. "It
is the most charming climate, and the life delightful. I will send you up
a lot of books on the subject."

Cecil was ashamed to confess how many she had read already. "You _must_
go by that boat to-morrow night, I suppose?" said she, meditatively.

"Yes; no help for it. But as I shall send my papers in at once, most
probably I can get leave till I am gazetted out."

"Oh! I wish that _mauvais quart-d'heure_ with papa were over," sighed
Cecil. "All to-morrow in suspense!"

"Cecil," said Du Meresq, in his most persuasive tones, "it is better to
be prepared for the worst. I know you are true as steel, and far firmer
than most girls. Promise that you _will_ marry me,--with his consent, if
possible; if not, without."

They had landed just before, and were walking up to the house. What
presentiment checked the unqualified pledge he would have imposed on her?

"I promise," she cried, "to marry no one else while you are alive."

CHAPTER XXIII.

LOLA'S BIRTHDAY.

She is not fair to outward view,
As many maidens be;
H