On the following day Lady Thesiger had arranged to come to Crown Anstey with Agatha, for the purpose of choosing from some very choice engravings that had been sent to me from London.

I asked Sir John to accompany them and stay at lunch.

It was always a red-letter day to me when my darling came to my house, and I remember this one--ah, me!--so well.

It was fine, clear and frosty; the sky was blue; the sun shone with that clear gold gleam it has in winter; the hoar frost sparkled on the leafless trees and hedges; the ground was hard and seemed to ring beneath one's feet.
"A bright, clear day," said Coralie, as we sat at breakfast together.
"Yes," I replied.

"Coralie, will you see that a good luncheon is served today?
Sir John and Lady Thesiger are coming--Miss Thesiger, too--and they will remain for lunch." Her face cleared and brightened.
"Coming today, are they?
I am very glad." I looked upon this as an amiable wish to atone for the unpleasantness of last night, and answered her in the same good spirit.
I am half ashamed to confess that when Agatha was coming I seldom did anything but stand, watch in hand, somewhere near the entrance gates.
That I did today, and was soon rewarded by seeing the Harden carriage.
Ah, me! will the memory of that day ever die with me?
My darling came and seemed to me more beautiful than ever.