t up, the physician advised a change
of climate; a few weeks at Mentone, he thought, would do her good.

The poor girl looked as if a rude breath would quench what little life
she had, and Mrs. Mencke, who still secretly clung to the hope of
affecting an alliance between her and Lord Cameron, was anxious to do
everything to build her up; consequently she immediately posted off with
her invalid to that far-famed resort. She had a private interview first,
however, with his lordship, from whom the real cause of Violet's illness
had been kept a profound secret, and promised to send for him just as
soon as her sister was able to see him.

The mild and genial atmosphere of Mentone produced a favorable change in
the invalid immediately. Her appetite improved, and with it strength and
something of her natural color.

But the child was pitifully sad--heart-broken. Nothing appeared to
interest her, and she seemed to live from day to day only because nature
was stronger than her grief.

She never spoke of Wallace, nor referred to the fact that her illness
had been caused by the dreadful tidings of his death. She was patient,
gentle, and submissive, doing whatever she was told to do, simply
because it was easier than to resist, and, as she slowly but surely
gained, Mrs. Mencke told herself that the way was clear to the
consummation of her ambitious hopes.

A month passed thus, and then Vane Cameron appeared upon the scene,
having been summoned by an encouraging letter from Violet's sister.

CHAPTER XII.

"YOU HAVE GIVEN YOUR PROMISE AND YOU MUST STAND BY IT."

When Mrs. Mencke informed Violet of the arrival of the Earl of
Sutherland, something of her old spirit manifested itself for the first
time since her illness.

"Did you send for him, Belle?" she demanded, an ominous flash leaping
into her heavy eyes.

The woman colored. She did not like to confess that she had done so, but
such was the fact, nevertheless.

"Why, Violet, you forget how anxious Lord Cameron would naturally be
regarding the state of your health," she answered, evasively; "besides,
he has waited a long time for the answer to a certain proposal, and
doubtless he is impatient for that."

"He shall have it," the young girl returned, with sudden animation, a
crimson flush suffusing her cheeks. "Send for him to come directly here,
and I will give it at once."

Mrs. Mencke regarded her doubtfully.

"And it will be----" she began.

"No!" repl