'What did you want to see me about? Don't spare me. Tell me all.'

"I would not then have thought it wise for her to go home, after being so long away, until something like an explanation had been made, something like a reconciliation effected. Henslow, if you only could make up your mind to see her and treat her tenderly at the meeting, I think all might be forgiven. I know, after the horrible lesson you have been taught, you will give way less than of old.'

'Maine, you do not know how I love her still. We have quarrelled, and when I lose my temper, nothing that is good remains with me; but if this could only be made up! If she would only forgive and come home!'

'I think she will.'

He pressed the other's hand passionately, and sobbed. Then they separated, and, keeping different sides of the road, walked back with few more words to Barrowleigh.

V.

WHEN Marion awoke the next morning, it was broad day. She looked towards her sister's bed. It was vacant. In sore alarm she arose, dressed herself hastily, and sought Lisette in the house. No trace of her sister was to be found. Where could she be ? Why had she got up and gone out stealthily?

She went into the garden, and, opening the gate, looked along the road. No figure was in view either on road or moor. The clouds which obscured the heavens last night had floated away, and the morning sun blazed high in the east, flooding the level landscape with glory. Plovers called to one another, flies in brilliant mail buzzed and flashed hither and thither, the two placid clefts of water reaching away towards the sun seemed like discarded swords of gigantic nature lying peacefully out of use. But where was Lisette?

Marion stood and listened. Presently, she thought she heard sobs, proceeding from an arbour beside the house. She listened again. There was no doubt some one: Lisette was sobbing in that arbour. Oh, poor broken-hearted Lisette! Poor afflicted sister!

She hastened towards the arbour. As she approached there were sounds of movements, and, ere she gained the threshold, a pale, dark-eyed girl came to the entrance, and beckoned to Marion. The latter stretched out her hands, and cried as she drew near:

'Such a fright as I got! I did not know where to find you. Why did you go without calling me?'

'It was so early, and I could not sleep. I am so glad, Marion, that I came out.'

'So glad!' she looked at her tearful face. So glad! Have you heard any news?

'Yes, good news.' They were now standing a little outside the arbour.

'Where do you get it? Who brought it?'

'I,' answered a man's voice from inside; and, with a look grateful for deliverance, John Maine stepped out on the sunlit garden path.

'I knew he was safe, Lisette.'

You must kiss him.

I will

'And he has told me all. I may not tell anyone, for it is not his secret. But, Marion, kiss John. not be jealous. Kiss John. I have been crying for happiness, and no wonder, after that night.'

'On the lips or the cheek?' he asked.

'On the lips, of course.'

'Then I'll kiss some one else after.'

6

He did what he was bidden, he did what he had threatened. In the struggle preceding the latter, she whispered, You have had too many for before breakfast.'

'Then I'll stop for breakfast. Come along. I want to begin again,' he whispered back.