"Guy, I have often wondered about you."
"About me, pet," returned the latter, "what can it be about me that is really worthy of so much attention from a young lady fair? Already I feel as of some importance."
Guy Trevelyan was now a handsome man of twenty-seven. The effeminate blush of youth had given place to an open and engaging animation that made him doubly attractive. Turning his gaze upon his sister, he added:
"Come, little one, tell me this great wonder. I must not be kept in suspense. Cannot Maude assist you? If so, I rely upon her in the present dilemma," said Guy, turning in playful appeal to Maude Bereford.
"Your surmise is groundless, mon frere," returned Fanny, in childish glee, "Maude is entirely in the dark, (pardon the vulgarism.)"
"I will pardon you in everything, provided you gratify my curiosity," said the other.
"Fanny, it is unjust to treat Guy in this way," said Maude, by way of intercession.
"Two against one," cried Fanny, with a demure smile upon her face. "The majority has it. I am placed in a difficult position," said she, turning to her friend, adding, "Maude only for your suggestion I might have been able to extricate myself. Well, I shall try my best to maintain peace by compliance to your united wishes."
"By telling us one of the seven wonders," interrupted Maude.
"Yes," said Fanny, "I have often wondered why it was that Guy could remain so long in the companionship of Mary Douglas or Lady Rosamond and come back heart whole to Trevelyan Hall."