"I will never forget it," cried Mrs. St. John, wrathfully. "I will wait and watch, and if ever I see a chance to punish Howard Templeton, I shall strike swiftly and surely."
Her aunt arose, gathering her silken wrappings about her tall, elegant form.
"Well, I must go now," she said. "I see it is of no use talking to you. Come and see me when you feel better, Xenie."
"I am going to the country next week," said her niece, abruptly.
"Indeed? Has not your mother been up to see you in your trouble?" inquired Mrs. Egerton, pausing in her graceful exit.
"No. I wrote to her, but she has neither come nor written. I fear something has happened. She is usually very punctual. Anyway, I shall go down next week and stay with them a week or two."
"I hope the change may improve your spirits, love," said her aunt, kissing her and going out with an airy "Au revoir."
[CHAPTER VII.]
"Mamma, how pale and troubled you look. What ails you?"