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68 "But I am so young," said Eveline, shrinking back from all this congratulation, and feeling, that, through everything that was said by others, John Derrick's eye was fixed on her with an expression of confident success that embarrassed and mortified her. "I am so very young," she repeated.

"So we all say," said the Earl, "but if you are both of the same mind two years hence you will not be too young then."

"But—but—but" said Eveline and then words failed her. Perhaps John Derrick would change his mind in two years' time. It was a distant prospect; a good deal might happen in two years.

"A two years' engagement is not an unreasonably long one," said Mr. Derrick, "so you must wait with patience, my boy."

"But mamma," said Eveline, "don't let it be spoken about."

"Oh, no!" said Lady Darlington, "I think that as you are so young, and as your education is not completed, it would be well that no one knew that you are engaged, particularly if you do not like it mentioned."

Engaged—was she really engaged? It was very strange to be so misunderstood and hemmed in by the parents whom she had trusted to, to