And in what she had to do it was so easy to go beyond the proper line! She would wish him to understand that she would like to be alone with him after what had passed between them on the previous evening,--but she must be careful not to let him imagine that she was too anxious.

And then whatever she did she had to do with so many eyes upon her! And when she went, as she would do now in so short a time, so many hostile tongues would attack her! He had everything to protect him;--and she had nothing, absolutely nothing, to help her! It was thus that she looked at it; and yet she had courage for the battle.

Almost at the last moment she did get a word with him in the hall.

"How is he ?" "Oh, better, decidedly." "I am so glad.

If I could only think that he could live! Well, my Lord, we have to say good-bye." "I suppose so." "You'll write me a line,--about him." "Certainly." "I shall be so glad to have a line from Rufford.