The young man nothing loth drew in Black Bess beside the milk-white palfrey, and began to comment upon the beauty of the morning, of the woods through which they were passing, and, lastly, of an Indian child, who, straying away from a settlement of wigwams, perched itself upon a stump, and surveyed the cavalcade with round-eyed interest. "The loveliest Indian girl I ever saw," remarked Helene, "is Wanda, the Algonquin chief's adopted daughter. But this is no news to you, as I hear that you were quite forcibly struck by her." Oh, the ambiguities of the English language! There was not a quiver of an eye-lash, not the slightest curl of the scarlet lips, and the wide dark eyes were seemingly free from guile; but, nevertheless, Edward suffered again that vague alarm which had sprung into being at the gate of "Bellevue." "I think her very pretty, certainly," he returned, "but I can't say that I admire her." "I am surprised at that. Rose told me that she made quite an impression upon you." Ought this to be taken literally? The lily-white face was no tell-tale. Could one so fair be so deceitful? This matter must be further probed. "The impression was not altogether a pleasant one," he confessed with a rising flush. "Not pleasant? You are very hard to please. She is not only remarkably handsome but she has a vigorous personality--a sort of native force that is sure to make its mark." "I fear I am not an admirer of force--that is in a woman." "I am sure you have no reason to be. It is possible that even the beautiful Wanda might not be above browbeating a man." "Oh, she might do worse than that," said Edward, with the coolness born of desperation. "She might sink so low as to basely persecute him with her knowledge of a secret extracted from his sister. Don't you think that would be treating him very contemptibly." "It would depend altogether upon what sort of treatment he deserved." "It occurs to me that the unfortunate creature we have in mind has suffered enough." It was evident that Helene thought so too. She said nothing, but the sweet eyes that had refrained from mocking at him could not hide a tinge of remorse. This pledge of peace was quickly noted by the much-enduring youth, whose gratitude might have found vocal expression