Now Freynie thinks I am absolutely perfect when I am really being a horrid little capricious minx--don't you, Freynie, dear!" and she leaned over and looked at her betrothed with sweet and tender eyes--and Lord Freynault got up and moved his chair round, so that the four were in a circle.
"What preposterous thing is Cora telling you ?" he laughed, with an adoring glance at her sparkling face.

"But I am getting jealous, and shall take her away because I want to talk to her all to myself!" And, when they had settled that the two girls should meet at tea the following day in Cora's sitting-room at Claridge's, where she was staying with a friend, the newly engaged pair went off together beaming with joy and affection.
And Halcyone gazed after them with a wistful look in her sad eyes, which stabbed the old Professor's heart.
She was remembering the morning under their tree, when she and her lover had sat and made their plans, and he had asked her if she had any fear at the thought of giving him her future.
It was only three weeks ago.

Surely everything was a dream.

How much he had seemed to love her.

And then unconsciously she started to her feet, and strode away among the trees, forgetful of her companion--and Cheiron sat and watched her, knowing she would come back and it was better to let her overcome alone the agony which was convulsing her.
Yes, John Derringham had seemed to love her--not seemed--no--it was real--he _had_ loved her.