ife with her sister and her husband.
Every day she became more and more conscious that there could never be
any real congeniality and sympathy between them, and that it would be
better if they should separate. But what was to become of her if she
separated from them? Could she live alone--take her destiny in her own
hands, and cut herself free from them? It would certainly be very
lonely, very forlorn, to have no one in the world to care for her.

She knew that Vane Cameron was a man in a thousand. He was noble and
amiable; whatever he did, he was actuated by pure motives, and she felt
that any woman who could love him would have cause to be proud in
becoming his wife.

She knew that he loved her devotedly, as her sister had said; but would
he be willing to marry one who did not love him? Would it be right for
her to accept all and be able to give nothing in return?

No, she did not believe he would be satisfied to live out his future in
any such way.

Still she conceived a sudden resolution. She would see him; she would
tell him the truth, and she believed he would sympathize with her and at
once withdraw his suit, while her sister would have to accept his
decision as final, and cease to importune her further upon the subject.

Having arrived at this conclusion, she leaned back in her chair, with a
deep sigh, as if relieved of a heavy burden.

"Well?" said Mrs. Mencke, inquiringly.

She had been watching her closely, and surmised something of what was
being revolved in her mind.

"I will see Lord Cameron," Violet quietly replied.

"And you will promise to marry him?" cried her companion, eagerly.

Violet sighed again. She was so weary of it all.

"No, I will not promise anything now; but I will see him--I will tell
him the whole truth, and then----"

"Well?" was the almost breathless query, as Violet faltered and her lips
grew white.

"Then he shall decide for me," she said, in a low tone.

Mrs. Mencke arose delighted, for she felt that her point was gained. She
would encourage Vane Cameron to take Violet, in spite of everything, and
try to make him feel that once she was his wife he would have little
difficulty in eventually winning her love.

She bent over Violet, in the excess of her joy, to kiss her, but the
young girl drew back from her.

"No, Belle," she said, quietly but sadly, "do not make any pretense of
affection for me; you have not shown yourself a good sister; I believe
you have interce