There was no passion of any sort in the measured and sad voice, nor
in the somewhat pale face and downcast eyes. Perhaps it was this
composure that deceived Frank Lavender: at all events, he turned and
walked out of the house, satisfied that he would not have to introduce
this Highland cousin to his friends, and just as certain that Sheila
would repent of her resolve and appear in the dining-room as usual.

Sheila went down stairs to the kitchen, where Mairi still stood
awaiting her. She gave orders to one of the servants about having
luncheon laid in the dining-room at two, and then she bade Mairi
follow her up stairs.

"Mairi," she said, when they were alone, "I want you to put your
things in your trunk at once--in five minutes if you can: I shall be
waiting for you."

"Miss Sheila!" cried the girl, looking up to her friend's face with a
sudden fright seizing her heart, "what is the matter with you? You are
going to die!"

"There is nothing the matter, Mairi. I am going away."

She uttered the words placidly, but there was a pained look about the
lips that could not be concealed, and her face, unknown to herself,
had the whiteness of despair in it.

"Going away!" said Mairi, in a bewildered way. "Where are you going,
Miss Sheila?"

"I will tell you by and by. Get your trunk ready, Mairi. You are