But she did hear, and the hot tears were dashed aside at once.

She was too proud to be petted or patronized by Mrs.Markham, or apologized for by her, so she dried her eyes, and lifting her head, said proudly: "I am tired to-night, and my head is aching so hard that I lost my self-control.

I beg you will excuse me.

Richard knows me too well to need an excuse." A born duchess could not have assumed a loftier air, and in some perplexity Mrs.Markham glanced from her to Richard, as if asking what to do next.

Fortunately for all parties, Andy just then came in with his brother John, who approached his new sister with some little hesitation.
He had heard Tim Jones' verdict, "Stuck up as the old Nick," while even cautious James had admitted his fears that Dick had made a mistake, and taken a wife who would never fit their ways.