That's the charge, Persia--and her cats." The Duchess breathed a sigh of relief; for she knew what Windlehurst had been going to say, and she shrank from seeing what she felt she would see, if Egypt and Claridge Pasha's name were mentioned.

That night at Harnley had burnt a thought into her mind which she did not like.

Not that she had any pity for Eglington; her thought was all for this girl she loved.

No happiness lay in the land of Egypt for her, whatever her unhappiness here; and she knew that Hylda must be more unhappy still before she was ever happy again, if that might be.

There was that concerning Eglington which Hylda did not know, yet which she must know one day--and then! But why were Hylda's eyes so much brighter and softer and deeper to-night?
There was something expectant, hopeful, brooding in them.