Nothing especially pertinent to our narrative had passed between the two young men since Mrs.Light's ball, save a few words bearing on an incident of that entertainment.

Rowland informed Roderick, the next day, that he had told Miss Light of his engagement.

"I don't know whether you 'll thank me," he had said, "but it 's my duty to let you know it.

Miss Light perhaps has already done so." Roderick looked at him a moment, intently, with his color slowly rising.

"Why should n't I thank you ?" he asked.