On the second day nothing was said about Mr Grey, and Alice hoped that by her continual readings in the book of wrath her aunt's heart might be softened towards her.

But it seemed that Lady Macleod measured the periods of respite, for on the third day and on the fifth she returned to the attack.

"Did John Grey still wish that the match should go on ?" she asked, categorically.

It was in vain that Alice tried to put aside the question, and begged that the matter might not be discussed.

Lady Macleod insisted on her right to carry on the examination, and Alice was driven to acknowledge that she believed he did wish it.