eyes were on the curate. He gave one sudden
comprehending glance towards the other couple; then he took the widows
hand, led her up to Dora, and said, in low yet penetrating tones, "Will
you wish us joy, Mrs. Polton?" The Squire, Rippleby, and Algy Stanton
were round them in an instant. I kept my place, watching now the face
of Trix Queenborough. She turned first flaming red, then very pale. I
saw her turn to Newhaven and speak one or two urgent imperative words
to him. Then, drawing herself up to her full height, she crossed the
room to where the group was assembled round Mrs. Wentworth and Jack
Ives.

"What's the matter? What are you saying?" she asked.

Mrs. Wentworth's eyes were modestly cast down, but a smile played round
her mouth. No one spoke for a moment. Then Jack Ives said, "Mrs.
Wentworth has promised to be my wife. Miss Queenborough."

For a moment, hardly perceptible. Trix hesitated; then, with the most
winning, touching, sweetest smile in the world, she said, "So you took
my advice, and our afternoon walk was not wasted after all!"

Mrs. Polton is not used to these fine flights of diplomacy; she had
heard before dinner something of what had actually happened in the
afternoon; and the simple woman positively jumped. Jack Ives met Trix's
scornful eyes full and square.

"Not at all wasted," said he with a smile. "Not only has it shown me
where my true happiness lies, but it has also given me a juster idea of
the value and sincerity of your regard for me, Miss Queenborough."

"It is as real, Mr. Ives, as it is sincere," said she.

"It is like yourself, Miss Queenborough," said he, with a little bow;
and he turned from her and began to talk to his fiancee.

Trix Queenborough moved slowly towards where I sat. Newhaven was
watching her from where he stood alone on the other side; of the room.

"And have you no news for us?" I asked, in low tones.

"Thank you," she said haughtily; "I don't care that mine should be a
pendant to the great tidings about the little widow and the curate."

After a moment's pause she went on:

"He lost no time, did he? He was wise to secure her before what
happened this afternoon could leak out. Nobody can tell her now."

"This afternoon?"

"He asked me to marry him this afternoon."

"And you refused?"

"Yes."

"Well, his behavior is in outrageously bad taste, but---"

She laid a hand on my arm, and said in calm level tones,

"I refused him because I dared not ha