Only, in her heart, she determined never to wear it.

It would burn her hand, she thought, and she could never be a hypocrite.
Luncheon was then announced, and they went into the dining-room.
Here she saw Tristram in a new light, with only "Young Billy" and Jimmy Danvers who had dropped in, and his mother and sisters.
He was gay as a schoolboy, telling Billy who had not spoken a word to Zara the night before that now he should sit beside her, and that he was at liberty to make love to his new cousin! And Billy, aged nineteen--a perfectly stolid and amiable youth--proceeded to start a laborious conversation, while the rest of the table chaffed about things which were Greek to Zara, but she was grateful not to have to talk, and so passed off the difficulties of the situation.
And the moment the meal was over Tristram took her back to Park Lane.
He, too, was thankful the affair had been got through; he hardly spoke as they went along, and in silence followed her into the house and into the library, and there waited for her commands.
Whenever they were alone the disguises of the part fell from Zara, and she resumed the icy mien.
"Good-bye," she said coldly.

"I am going into the country to-morrow for two or three days.

I shall not see you until Monday.

Have you anything more it is necessary to say ?" "You are going into the country!" Tristram exclaimed, aghast.