he was only an episode in a young life which was full of
interests. Term after term came and went; the holidays had their
seasonable pleasures, occasionally shared in common. That was all.

Harold's attitude was the same as ever. He was of a constant nature; and
now that manhood was within hail the love of his boyhood was ripening to
a man's love. That was all. He was with regard to Stephen the same
devoted, worshipping protector, without thought of self; without hope of
reward. Whatever Stephen wished Harold did; and Stephen, knowing their
old wishes and their old pleasures, was content with their renewal. Each
holiday between the terms became mainly a repetition of the days of the
old life. They lived in the past.

Amongst the things that did not change was Stephen's riding dress. The
scarlet habit had never been a thing for everyday wear, but had from the
first been kept for special occasions. Stephen herself knew that it was
not a conventional costume; but she rather preferred it, if on that
account alone. In a certain way she felt justified in using it; for a
red habit was a sort of tradition in the family.

It was on one of these occasions that she had gone with Harold into the
churchyard where they had heard the discussion regarding God and the
Angels.

* * * * *

When Stephen was about sixteen she went for a short visit to Oxford. She
stayed at Somerville with Mrs. Egerton, an old friend of her mother's,
who was a professor at the college. She sent back her maid who had
travelled with her, as she knew that the college girls did not have
servants of their own. The visit was prolonged by mutual consent into a
duration of some weeks. Stephen fell in love with the place and the
life, and had serious thoughts of joining the college herself. Indeed
she had made up her mind to ask her father to allow her, knowing well
that he would consent to that or to any other wholesome wish of hers. But
then came the thought that he would be all alone at home; and following
that came another thought, and one of more poignant feeling. He was
alone now! Already, for many days, she had left him, for the first time
in her life! Stephen was quick to act; well she knew that at home there
would be no fault found with her for a speedy return. Within a few hours
she had brought her visit to an end, and was by herself, despite Mrs.
Egerton's protest, in the train on the way back to Norcester.

In the train she beg