“He stopped more suddenly than he did when I hooked him with the umbrella, and turning toward me, asked me if I was telling him the truth.  Then we walked on as far as the Champs d’Elysees, where we sat down, and I told him everything which had happened at Rome, and after we left there, as far as I knew.  But I doubt if he heard half I was saying.  The only point he did seem to understand was that you were not dead, and that you had gone to America in the same ship with Mr. Jerrold.  It was Neil who had told me that, and to him I referred Jack for any further information concerning you.  But I do not think he stopped to get it, for he went straight through London to Trevellian Castle, where his presence was needed.  And then, after a time he invited grandma and me to visit him there, because he was lonely without any ladies in the house.  And we went, and I was perfectly happy; for, you know, it was once my home, and it is going to be—­But wait till I tell you how Jack is changed, and how he used to go away by himself, and stay for hours alone, and come back with such a tired look on his face, and ask me to tell him again of Mr. Jerrold’s kindness to you in Rome.  Grandma said he was in love with you, and I think so, too.  But wait till I tell you how he came home from London after seeing you there as Mrs. Jerrold, and how he raved about your beauty, and grace, and elegance, and the lovely dress you wore the night he called, blue he said he believed it was, and he wanted me to have one like it, as if what became your lilies and roses would suit my black face and turned-up Irish nose.  But men know nothing of color, or anything else, at least Jack does not, as you will see when I tell you, if I ever come to that.

    “Well, it was like this:  You were married to Mr. Jerrold, and now I
    am going to tell you how your letter came, and Jack brought it to
    me, and stood staring at me while I read it, and then he said: 

    “‘She has asked you to go to America?’

    “‘Yes,’ I answered, without looking up; and he continued: 

    “’And you are going?

    “‘I’d like to,’ I said, ’I would rather go to America than to any
    other place in all the world.’

    “‘Rather than stay here with me?’ he asked.

“Something in his voice made me look up, and then—­and then—­I do not believe I can tell you, except that I suddenly found out that I had been caring a great deal for Sir Jack Trevellian.  Yes, a great deal; while he—­well, I may as well tell you, for Sir Jack is not the man to say he loves a girl if he does not, and he told me he loved me, and wanted me for his wife; and I, well, I just covered up my face so he could not see it, and cried with all my might, I was so happy and glad.

“I know what transpired at Stoneleigh, and that I am not his first choice, but I am satisfied.  How could he help loving you.  I am sure I