"More than likely."
Jack bit his lips with vexation and his face reddened.
Without losing any time he visited Lena, and was shown into the reception-room.
Presently Lena entered, looking more than usually sweet and charming.
There was some slight embarrassment in her manner, as she held out her hand and requested him to be seated.
"I am so sorry you cannot come with us," he said.
"So am I," she replied. "But I am glad to have an opportunity of explaining. There is no gentleman of my acquaintance whom I esteem more than I do you."
Jack bowed politely, and felt that he could have laid down his life for her, for saying those words.
"My brother," she continued, "has read something about you in a journal, and he says I ought not to receive your visits. I feel that there must be some mistake. If you could only see my brother and explain—"
A tall gentleman, a few years older than Jack, entered the room at this moment.