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"Oh no, not at all; a mere statement of opinion--of no interest, I assure you"

Kate's voice was eager "Mr Clarke, Viola wants to sit for us--have you any objections?"

"Kate!" called Serviss "I am ashamed of you--"

"I assure you I didn't ask it--I didn't even hint towards it 'Cross my heart--hope to die'"

Morton was at theand inti-roolad if Clarke had opposed it firmly--which he did not Perhaps he saw a chance to turn the tables on his critics; at any rate, he rose, saying, "I will talk with her and decide the matter," and followed Kate out of the room

"What is it? What did she say?" queried Weissmann, bewilderedly

Morton explained that Miss Lambert had particularly requested hiuides," and that she had expressed a particular desire for an ilittered with new interest "Very good Why not? It is a fine opportunity Do you not feel so?"

In truth he did not The intrusion of the abnormal side of Viola's life seemed at the moment not -roo in a low chair beside a s with her, and Serviss could detect even at a distance the depressing change which had coone and in its place lay pallid languor and a look of appeal

Clarkeup wanly and wistfully, said: "Isn't it stupid? Just when I was so happy I wanted this evening free, but they would not have it so No sooner was I seated here than they began to work on randfather especially--and I, too, want you to do so--only I didn't intend to ask it to-night Please be patient with me, won't you?"

"Do not distress yourself about that I shall be very glad to sit I was afraid Kate ainst uides' wish it, and you are willing, be sure Dr Weissmann and I will be an to happen?"

"The usual tapping--here on the table--then ht it I didn't intend to yield, but they set to work under led As soon as I gave up they took their fingers frorandfather is just back of me--I can feel his heavy hand on ood time I hope you won't despise me"