going to marry an actress, and Mr. Wyvern declared there was not a
word of truth in it. But of course your mother told you that?'

Adela sat motionless. Mrs. Waltham had not troubled herself to make
known the vicar's contradiction. But Adela could not allow herself
to admit that. Binding her voice with difficulty, she said:

'It does not at all concern me.'

'But your mother _did_ tell you, Adela?' Letty persisted, emboldened
by a thought which touched upon indignation.

'Of course she did.'

The falsehood was uttered with cold deliberateness. There was
nothing to show that a pang quivered on every nerve of the speaker.

'Who can have sent such a thing to the paper?' Letty exclaimed.
'There must be someone who wishes to do him harm. Adela, I don't
believe _anything_ that people have said!'

Even in speaking she was frightened at her own boldness. Adela's
eyes had never regarded her with such a look as now.

'Adela, my darling! Don't, don't be angry with me!'

She sprang forward and tried to put her arms about her friend, but
Adela gently repelled her.

'If you have promised to say something, Letty, you must keep your