"I called on Dolores to-day," he said, "and she frankly admitted her identity."
He did not notice the white anguish that came over Violet's face. He was startled by the gladness that shone in her brother's eyes. It was a revelation to him. But the next moment he heard the sound of a fall. They all turned and saw that Violet had slipped out of her chair and lay on the floor with closed eyelids and a deathly face.
"Violet has fainted," cried Mrs. Valchester.
She had fainted, and when she regained consciousness, it was only to bury her face on Walter's breast, and whisper sadly:
"Take me away."
He carried her home, and when they were gone, Mrs. Valchester looked at her son.
"Ronald, do you know what Violet's fainting meant? she asked, gravely.
"It was too warm, I think," said the unconscious poet.
"Oh, how blind you are, Ronald!" exclaimed his mother.