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 upon herself as a veritable paragon of sincerity, loyalty, and broad-minded independence.

She turned with a little sigh back to the green depths of the divan and contemplated her reflection in the tilted mirror opposite. Yes, gossip had for years prophesied Victoria's engagement to Morton. There must be fire where smoke is seen. She must make sure of Morton at once. It was a nuisance, particularly just now, when her flirtation with Valdeck was so interesting; but she could keep the secret from every one but Victoria. Once in a position to make a confidante of her, she could be sure that her manor would remain unpoached upon.

Suddenly the question presented itself definitely, why was she so afraid of Victoria? She had no real reason: only merest gossip held that the lifelong affection that existed between the two had ever been, or ever would be, anything more than intellectual fraternity. The answer came back from her other self: "Because Victoria has never appreciated me at my true worth." In fact, she more than suspected that she was not looked up to and approved of in this new quarter. 75