"I see. Drake told me that I should find you harder to move than you

look. And I am not sure that you are not right," she said. "When you

come to stay at the Hall it will be as mistress." Nell's face crimsoned

again. "But, my dear girl, we can't pass over the great event as if it

were of no consequence. Drake's engagement, under any circumstances,

would be of the deepest interest to all of us, to the whole country; but

his engagement to you will create a profound sensation, and we must

demonstrate our satisfaction in some way. I'm afraid you will have to

face a big dinner party."

Nell looked rather frightened.

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"Oh!" she breathed. "Is--is it necessary? Can't we just go on as if--as

if nothing had happened?"

The countess laughed.

"That's exactly what Drake said when I spoke to him about it last night.

It is nice to find you so completely of one mind. But I'm afraid it

wouldn't do. You see, my dear, the people will want to see you, to be

introduced to you; and if we pursue the usual course there will be much

less talk and curiosity than if we let things slide. Yes, you will have

to run the gauntlet; but I don't think you need be apprehensive of the

result," and she looked at her with affectionate approval.

"Very well," said Nell resignedly. "You know what is best, and I will do

anything you and Drake wish."

"What a dutiful child!" exclaimed the countess, banteringly. "And though

you won't come and stay at the Hall, you will come up and see us very

often, to lunch and tea and----"

"When Mr. Falconer can spare me," said Nell quietly.

"Yes. And about him, dear. We talked of him last night, and his future.

That will be Drake's special care. He, too, owes him a big debt, and he

feels it. Mr. Falconer is a genius, and the world must be made to know

it before very long. And your brother, dear; you will let him come up to

the Hall?"

Nell laughed softly.

"You are thinking of everything," she said. "Even of Dick. Oh, yes,

he'll come. Dick isn't a bit shy; but he thinks more of his electric

machines than anything else on earth just at present."

"I know," said the countess, laughing. "But we must try and lure him

from them now and again. I am sure we shall all like him, for he is

wonderfully like you. Now, about the dinner, dear. Shall we say this day

week?"




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