until the next day when, arrived at Collingwood, they were alone
for a moment in the library--then she explained to him that Nina
was sick, possibly had sent for her.

"I thought things would work out after a time, though honestly I'd
rather that little girl shouldn't die if it could be brought round
any other way," was Victor's reply, which called a flush at once
to Edith's cheek.

"Victor Dupres," said she, "never hint such a thing again. It is
too late now; it cannot be--it shall not be; and if I go, Arthur
has promised not to say one word which can influence me."

"If you go," repeated Victor, "Then you have some intention of
going--I thought he had objected."

"So he has," returned Edith, the same look stealing into her eyes
which came there at the Falls. "So he has, but if Nina lives till
the middle of October I shall go. My mind is made up."

"Oh, consistency, thou art a jewel," muttered Victor, as hearing
some one coming, he walked away. "Means to jump down the lion's
throat, but does not expect to be swallowed! Splendid logic that!"
and Victor shrugged his shoulders at what seemed so contradictory
as Edith's talk and Edith's conduct.

As she had said, Edith meant to go, nay more, was determined to
go, and when, on the third day after their return, Mr. Russell
came for her final decision, she said to him, ere Richard had time
to speak,