"The regiment is expected back to-morrow, Henry!" he said.
"I know it!" returned Alison, not moving from his place. "And Professor Fernow is coming in any event," continued Atkins, with marked emphasis.
Henry glanced at him calmly. "Do you know this so certainly?"
"He surely will not remain away from a reception that is especially designed for him."
"He will not come!" said Alison coolly. "After what has passed between us, he does not enter this house while my betrothed remains in it, or I do not understand the German sentiment of honor."
Atkins looked at him doubtfully. "Well, I was not a witness of your interview," he said. "You must know what is to be expected of him; but if he really remains away are you just as sure of Miss Forest?"
Henry did not answer; he merely smiled in his ill-omened way.
"Supposing she should refuse to fulfil her promise to you?"
"She will not refuse."
Atkins did not seem to share his decided conviction. "You may find yourself in error," he said. "Jane is no longer in that hollow stupor that was upon her at our first arrival in B. She is silent as usual, but I know that all her strength of mind is now directed towards one conclusion; and this conclusion will hardly be blind submission to your will. Look before you!"