e fact either. Violet, my pansy-eyed darling, I'll manage to make you
forget that carpenter lover of yours long before your stipulated three
months are at an end, or my name isn't Althea. I'd like nothing better
than to write you among my list of friends as Countess of Sutherland;
and Nellie, my modest little brunette, you would make a delightful
little spouse for that agreeable Mr. Henderson."

CHAPTER XI.

"DEATH HAS RELEASED YOU FROM YOUR PROMISE."

The voyage across the Atlantic proved to be a most delightful one.

Vane Cameron and Ralph Henderson, by tacit consent, joined Mrs. Hawley's
party, and were so entertaining and attentive that they all
congratulated themselves upon having secured so pleasant an addition to
their company.

By the time they reached England Vane Cameron had surrendered his
hitherto impregnable heart entirely to Violet, and when he bade Mrs.
Hawley and her charges good-by, after seeing them comfortably
established in the hotel where they were to remain during their sojourn
in London, he asked the privilege of bringing his mother--who had
preceded him to England by several months--to make their acquaintance.

This was an honor which Mrs. Hawley had hardly anticipated; she well
knew the exclusive proclivities of British blue blood, and was highly
elated by the prospect of being introduced into London society by
Isabel, only child of the late Earl of Sutherland.

It is needless to state she graciously accorded the young man the
privilege he asked, and delightfully looked forward to the promised
visit.

She had not long to wait, for before the week was out Lady Isabel,
accompanied by her son, came to make her call, and she appeared to be no
less attracted by the beauty and winning manner of Violet than young
Cameron had been.

Mrs. Hawley made herself exceedingly agreeable by her courtesy and
cultured self-possession, and before she left it was arranged that her
ladyship would give a reception at an early date for the purpose of
introducing her new acquaintances to London society.

After that there followed a whirl of pleasure and excitement such as
Violet and Nellie had read about, but never expected to enjoy.

Mr. Henderson and the young girl, as he was now commonly recognized,
attended them everywhere, until it began to be remarked in select
circles that the son was likely to follow the example of his mother by
marrying a wealthy American.

Mrs. Hawley's reports to Mrs. M