It is my part to do her justice," says he coldly, "and, I confess, I think her a perfect hostess, if----" "If ?" "If wanting in a few social matters.

As to her cousin, Mr.
Hescott--being one of her few relations, she is naturally attentive to him." _"Very!"_ "And she is----" "Always with him!" Mrs.Bethune laughs again--always that low, sweet, cruel laughter.

_"Could_ attention farther go ?" "Always?
Surely that is an exaggeration." Rylton speaks with comparative calmness.

It is plain that his one outbreak of passion has horrified himself, and he is determined not to give way to another whatever provocation may lie in his path.
"Is it ?" tauntingly.

"Come"-- gaily--"I will make a bet with you--a fair one, certainly.