It was already the usual breakfast-time, and hearing some one enter as she was leaning back rather tired and hungry with her eyes shut, she rose expecting to see one or other of the Langens--the words which might determine her lingering at least another day, ready-formed to pass her lips.

But it was the servant bringing in a small packet for Miss Harleth, which had at that moment been left at the door.

Gwendolen took it in her hand and immediately hurried into her own room.

She looked paler and more agitated than when she had first read her mamma's letter.

Something--she never quite knew what--revealed to her before she opened the packet that it contained the necklace she had just parted with.