"Still, I fancy there are young women who would not disdain to be mistress of Carnaby." The girl straightened herself a little, and the colour crept into her face.

"Do not be foolish, father.

You cannot fancy that the man was speaking seriously." "I don't know," said Deringham.

"I am not sure that he does himself, and if you do not, there is an end of the affair.

Still, if there had been anything in the speech the possibility alluded to would have lifted a great load from me." He said nothing further, but passed on, leaving the girl standing on the verandah with head bent a trifle, and a face that was less cold in colouring than usual.