"It is a peace-offering. Will you take it to her? I promised that I would ask you to go directly after dinner," he said, softly.
"Yes," said Stella, and as she took it there rose once more in her mind the word Jasper Adelstone had spoken—"infamous." This man who sent his sister such a message in such a voice!
"Thanks," he said. "But it was scarcely necessary. I have sent her something more beautiful, more precious."
Stella did not understand far a moment, then as her eyes met his, she knew that he meant herself, and the color flooded her face.
"You should not say that," she said, gravely, and before he could answer she moved away, and followed the maid.
The maid led her through the hall and up the broad stairs, across the corridor and knocked at Lady Lilian's door.
Stella entered, and a grave peace seemed to fall upon her.
Lady Lilian was lying on the couch by the window, and raised herself to hold out her hand.
"How good of you to come!" she said, eagerly, and as the voice broke on Stella's ear, she knew what Lady Lenore's voice wanted. "You think me very selfish to bring you away from them all do you not?" she added, still holding Stella's hand in her white, cool one.