conversation seemed always deftly guided from the

subject of her father's immediate future, and she was

not long in discerning that it was in no sense through

accident that this was true. Thereafter her wounded

pride made easy the task of those who seemed combined

to keep her in ignorance.

It was a Dr. von Horn, who had been oftenest with

her father, who gave her the first intimation of

what was forthcoming. Afterward, in recollecting

the conversation, it seemed to Virginia that the young man

had been directed to break the news to her, that her

father might be spared the ordeal. It was evident then

that he expected opposition, but the girl was too loyal

to let von Horn know if she felt other than in harmony

with the proposal, and too proud to evince by surprise

the fact that she was not wholly conversant with its

every detail.

"You are glad to be leaving Singapore so soon?" he had

asked, although he knew that she had not been advised

that an early departure was planned.

"I am rather looking forward to it," replied Virginia.

"And to a protracted residence on one of the Pamarung Islands?"

continued von Horn.

"Why not?" was her rather non-committal reply, though

she had not the remotest idea of their location.

Von Horn admired her nerve though he rather wished that

she would ask some questions--it was difficult making

progress in this way. How could he explain the plans

when she evinced not the slightest sign that she was

not already entirely conversant with them?

"We doubt if the work will be completed under two or

three years," answered the doctor. "That will be a

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