"She gave me one bit of news, but I am not sure that I ought to tell you."
"Please do so," he urged.
"It will pain you, I fear," sighed Alpine.
"I am strong enough to bear anything except—suspense," setting his teeth firmly.
Mrs. Carew was looking at them curiously:
"Mamma, will you please excuse us for whispering? I have something to tell Mr. Chainey—a secret."
"You are excusable," the lady replied, sourly, turning away her head.
Alpine whispered to Ralph:
"Kathleen is engaged to be married to Teddy Darrell, and is the happiest girl I ever saw!"
He was silent a moment, then murmured, bitterly: