This periphrasis was needful, because Rose was curled up in a corner

with a book, and her accessibility to outward impressions was dubious.

It might be partly for that reason, partly from the tone of fixed

resolve in his voice, that Ermine made answer, "As you please."

It was calmly said, with the sweet, grave, confiding smile that told how

she trusted to his judgment, and accepted his will. The look and tone

brought his hand at once to press hers in eager gratitude, but still she

would not pursue this branch of the subject; she looked up to him and

said gently, but firmly, "Yes, it may be better that the true state of

the case should be known," and he felt that she thus conveyed that he

must not press her further, so he let her continue, "At first I thought

it would do him good, he began pitying us so vehemently; but when he

found I did not pity myself, he was as ready to forget our troubles

as--you are to forget his," she added, catching Colin's fixed eye, more

intent on herself than on her narrative.

"I beg his pardon, but there are things that come more home."

"So thought he," said Ermine.

"Did you find out," said Colin, now quite recalled, "what made him take

courage?"

"When he had once come to the subject, it seemed to be a relief to tell

it all out, but he was so faltering and agitated that I did not always

follow what he said. I gather, though, that Lady Temple has used him a

little as a defence from other perils."

"Yes, I have seen that."

"And Miss Keith's fun has been more encouragement than she knew;

constantly summoning him to the croquet-ground, and giving him to

understand that Lady Temple liked to have him there. Then came that

unlucky day, it seems, when he found Bessie mounting her horse at the

door, and she called out that it was too wet for croquet, but Lady

Temple was in the garden, and would be glad to see him. She was going to

make visits, and he walked down with her, and somehow, in regretting the

end of the croquet season, he was surprised into saying how much it had

been to him. He says she was exceedingly kind, and regretted extremely

that anything should have inspired the hope, said she should never marry

again, and entreated him to forget it, then I imagine she fled in here

to put an end to it."

"She must have been much more gentle this time than she was with Keith.

I had never conceived her capable of being so furious as she was then. I

am very sorry, I wish we could spare her these things."

"I am afraid that can only be done in one way, which you are not likely

at present to take," said Ermine with a serious mouth, but with light

dancing in her eyes.




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