Once I ventured an illusion to the party at Willets; but it was received with an embarrassed silence.

I left early and without the usual invitation to repeat my visits.

To-day I met Mr.Ellis in the street, and received from him the cut direct! So, you see, affairs are not progressing very favourably; and the worst is, I am in total ignorance of the real effect of my interview with Miss Markland upon her own mind.

She may yet retain the communication I made as her own secret, or have revealed it to her father.

His reception of the matter, if aware of what occurred, is a problem unsolved.