"You knew him then, Miss Earl? Then you know what a splendid fellow he is," said Emma Foshay, with enthusiasm.
Violet's face flushed, while she said, in a low tone:
"As it is not intended to be a secret, Miss Foshay, I will tell you that I am engaged to Lieutenant Carey."
"Engaged to——" and Emma Foshay could say no more, while the entrance of a servant with a telegram prevented both Violet and Ella Dewhurst from seeing how livid the face of the young girl became.
"For me?" said Violet, with a calmness she did not feel, as she took the telegram from the servant.
Breaking open the envelope, she read aloud:
"Do not be alarmed at rumors that Carey is dead.
"He ventured into the hostiles' lines, but you know his phenomenal luck in getting out of close places, and it will not desert him now.
"I will wire you the moment we get news of him, so keep up your courage. "Yours, Frank Powell."
"Ah! she has fainted," and Violet Earl sprang to the side of Emma Foshay, as, with a moan, she sank from her chair to the floor.