y kind had a
charm. A fine morning, a good cigar, a change of scene, and Denasia at
the end, what more was necessary to a pleasant trip? His first
disillusion was the house to which he was directed. It was but a
cottage, and in some peculiar way Roland had persuaded himself that
Denasia had not only got money, but also a large sum. The cottage in
which he found her did not confirm his anticipations. And in the small
parlour Denasia was taking a dancing-lesson. An elderly lady was
playing the violin and directing her steps. Of course the lesson
ceased at Roland's entrance; there was so much else to be talked
over.

"Why did you come to this out-of-the-way place?" asked Roland with a
slight tone of disapprobation.

"Because both my singing and dancing teachers were here for the summer
months, and I longed for the salt air. I felt that it was the only
medicine that would restore me. You see I am nearly well already."

"But the money, Denasia? And do you know that old harpy in London
never named money. Is she paid?"

"Why do you say harpy? She only wanted what we really owed her. And
she was good and patient when I was ill. Yes, I paid her nine
pounds."

"I have one hundred pounds, Denasia."

"You wrote and told me so."

"Elizabeth gave it to me; and I must say she gave it very kindly and
pleasantly."

"Of course Elizabeth gave you it. Why not? Is there any merit in her
doing a kindness to her own brother pleasantly? How else should she do
it?"

"It was given as much for you as for me."

"Decidedly not. If Elizabeth has the most ordinary amount of sense,
she knows well I would not touch a farthing of her money; no, I would
not if I was dying of hunger."

"That is absurd, Denasia."

"Call it what you will. I hate Elizabeth and Elizabeth hates me, and I
will not touch her money or anything that is bought with it. For you
it is different. Elizabeth loves you. She is rich, and if she desires
to give you money I see no reason why you should refuse it--that is,
if you see none."

"And pray what are you going to do?"

"Have I suffered in your absence? You left me sick, nervous, without a
shilling. I have made for myself a good engagement and received fifty
pounds in advance."

"A good engagement! Where? With whom?"

"I am learning to sing a part in 'Pinafore.' I am engaged at the
Olympic."

"Denasia!"

She flushed proudly at his amazement, and when he took her in his arms
and kissed her, she permitted h