CHAPTER THE TWENTY-FIFTH.
FORWARD.
BLANCHE found her lover as attentive as usual to her slightest wish, but not in his customary good spirits.

He pleaded fatigue, after his long watch at the cross-roads, as an excuse for his depression.

As long as there was any hope of a reconciliation with Geoffrey, he was unwilling to tell Blanche what had happened that afternoon.

The hope grew fainter and fainter as the evening advanced.

Arnold purposely suggested a visit to the billiard-room, and joined the game, with Blanche, to give Geoffrey an opportunity of saying the few gracious words which would have made them friends again.