"But I feel, I can't help feeling, that it is to you he owes his life—to you——"

"Be quiet!" cried Nellie. "Are you engaged now?"

"I—I don't know."

"Does he still love you?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Why didn't you tell me? Why did you keep me in the dark? Why did you tempt me?"

"Indeed, I don't understand."

"I didn't know he had told you. I only thought he had a fancy—— Oh, and I loved him too! I did indeed!"

"I know, dear," said Janet; "and so, when you had been so brave, and I so cowardly——"

"Stop!" cried Nellie again, and as she spoke the door opened and Dale Bannister came in. He was fresh back from London, and had ridden over to see Nellie.