"Their foolish gossip is not worth getting excited about, but Icertainly would send Ned away. It's no use trying to get rid of 'thatgirl,' as you say, for my aunt is as deluded about her as Ned and Bella,and she really does get the kid along splendidly. Dispatch Ned, andthen she can do no harm," said Lucia, watching Coventry's altewhite faceas he stood in the moonlight, just outside the window where she sat.

"Have you no fears for me?" he asked smiling, as if ashamed of hismomentary petulance.

"No, have you for yourself?" And a shade of anxiety passed over herface.

"I defy the Scotch witch to enchant me, except with her music," headded, moving down the terrace again, for Jean was singing like anightingale.

As the song ended, he put aside the curtain, and exclaimed, abruptly, "Hasanyone any commands for London? I am going there tomorrow."