CHAPTER XXII.
HE HAD EXPLAINED TO PHYLLIS ONCE THAT HE THOUGHT OF GOD ONLY AS A PRINCIPLE.
The sound of the hansom wheels died away before the father and daughter exchanged a word.

Mr.Ayrton was the first to speak.
"It seems to have been a night of mischance," said he.
"I am very glad that Mr.Linton has returned," said she.
"What?
Now, why should you be glad of that very ordinary incident ?" "Why?
Oh, papa, I am so fond of her!" "She may be fond of him, after all." Mr.Ayrton spoke musingly.
"Of course she is," said Phyllis, with a positiveness that was designed to convince herself that she believed her own statement.
"And he may be fond of her--yes, at times," resumed Mr.Ayrton.

"That toilet of hers seems to have been the only happy element in the game of cross-purposes which was played to-night." "Ah," whispered the girl.
"Yes; it was in inspiration.

She could not have expected her husband to-night.

What a dress! Even a husband would be compelled to admit its fascination.