Beyond the Rocks

Sir Patrick had advanced and engaged Josiah in conversation.

He knew his guests' ways and how they would boycott him, and, with a

serious question like those Australian shares on the tapis, he was not

going to have Josiah insulted and ruffled just yet.

"Don't stay up-stairs all the time," Hector had managed to whisper,

while Mildred and Lord Wensleydown stood arguing; "they are sure not to

dine till nine; there are two hours before you need dress, and we can

certainly find some nice sitting-room to talk in."

But Theodora, with immense self-denial, had answered: "No, I want to

write a long letter to papa and my sisters. I won't come down again

until dinner."

And he was forced to be content with the memory of her soft smile and

the evident regret in her eyes.