billows? Such a storm as that may be compared to the 'fancy' you
suppose I feel for the woman who has dragged us both here to die
at her feet--for that, I believe, is what it will come to. Life is
not possible under the strain of emotion with which we two are
living it. ..."

He broke off, then resumed in quieter tones:

"I say to you: Use your opportunities while you have them. After
dinner I will leave you alone with the Princess. I will go out for
a stroll with Dr. Dean. Take your chance, Denzil, for, as I live,
it is your last! It will be my turn next! Give me credit for to-
night's patience!"

He turned quickly away, and in a moment was gone. Denzil Murray
stood still for a while, thinking deeply, and trying to review the
position in which he found himself. He was madly in love with a
woman for whom his only sister had the most violent antipathy; and
that sister, who had once been all in all to him, had now become
almost less than nothing in the headstrong passion which consumed
him. No consideration for her peace and ultimate happiness
affected him, though he was sensible of a certain remorseful pity
when thinking of her gentle ways and docile yielding to his often
impatient and impetuous humors; but, after all, she was only his
sister,--she could not understand his present condition of mind.
Then there was Gervase, whom he had for some years looked upon as
one of his most admired and intimate friends; now he was nothing
more or less than a rival and an enemy, notwithstanding his
seeming courtesy and civil self-restraint. As a matter of fact,
he, Denzil, was left alone to face his fate: to dare the brilliant