It behoves us to be careful not to practise it.' That evening in the drawing-room my father said, in his usual abrupt way-- 'About my departure, Maud: I've had a letter from London this morning, and I think I shall be called away sooner than I at first supposed, and for a little time we must manage apart from one another.

Do not be alarmed.

You shall not be in Madame de la Rougierre's charge, but under the care of a relation; but even so, little Maud will miss her old father, I think.' His tone was very tender, so were his looks; he was looking down on me with a smile, and tears were in his eyes.

This softening was new to me.

I felt a strange thrill of surprise, delight, and love, and springing up, I threw my arms about his neck and wept in silence.