“Ladies and gentlemen:  This is the happiest day of my life as yet.  I look forward to a happier one in the near future, when I shall call the lovely lady at my side by the dearest name that man can utter, and I shall call you not only my dear friends, but my near relatives.  I propose the health of the greatest benefactor of the human race now living.  The man who, by his mighty life’s work, has opened up the resources of nature, compelled the everlasting mountains to give up their priceless treasures of coal and iron ore; given employment to thousands of men and women; made this savage wilderness of rock, and wood, and water ‘bloom and blossom as the rose,’ and hum with the stir of industry like a myriad hives of bees.  I propose the health of Mr. Aaron Rockharrt.”

All, except Cora, arose and honored this toast.

Mr. Fabian Rockharrt replied on the part of his father.

Then the health of each member of the party was proposed in turn.  When this was over the two ladies withdrew from the table and went into the drawing room, leaving the gentlemen to their wine.

“Oh, my dear, dear Cora!  I am so glad!  I wish you joy with my whole, whole heart!” exclaimed Violet, effusively, but most sincerely and earnestly, as she clasped Corona to her heart.  The next instant she let her go and gazed at Cora in surprise and dismay.

“Why, what is the matter, Cora?  You are as white and as cold as death.  What is the matter?” demanded Violet as she led and half supported Corona to an easy chair, in which the latter dropped.

“Tell me, Cora.  What is it, dear?  What can I do for you?  Can I get you anything?  Is all this emotion caused by the announcement of your betrothal to the duke?” demanded Violet, hurrying question upon question, and trembling even more than Cora.

“Sit down, Violet.  Never mind me.  I shall be all right presently.  Don’t be frightened, darling,” said Cora, as well as she could speak.

“But let me do something for you!”

“You can do nothing.”

“But what caused this?”

“My feelings have been outraged!—­outraged!  That is all!”

“How?  How?  Surely not by Mr. Rockharrt’s announcement of your betrothal to the duke?  It was rather embarrassing to the betrothed pair, I admit; but surely it was the proper thing to do.”

“‘The proper thing to do!’ Violet, it was false! false!  I am not betrothed to the duke.  I never was.  I never shall be.  I would not marry an emperor to share a throne.  My life is consecrated to good works in the very field in which my dear husband died.  I have said this to my grandfather and to you all, over and over again.  If it had not been for Mr. Rockharrt’s accident that endangered his life, I should have gone out to the Indian Territory with my brother, and should have been at work there at this present time.  I shall go at the first opportunity.”

Cora spoke very excitedly, being almost beside herself with wrath and shame at the affront which had been put upon her.