d say to you
somewhat fuller than I could do in my letter that I am sorry for the
pain which I gave you."

"All that is over now,--and shall be forgotten."

Then he spoke of his immediate plans. He would at once go back to
England by slow stages,--by very slow stages,--staying a day or two
at Salzburg, at Ratisbon, at Nuremberg, at Frankfort, and so on. In
this way he would reach England about the 10th of October, and Mary
would then be ready to go to Custins by the time appointed.

In a day or two Lady Mary was better. "It is terrible while it
lasts," she said, speaking to Mrs. Finn of her headache, "but when it
has gone then I am quite well. Only"--she added after a pause--"only
I can never be happy again while papa thinks as he does now." Then
there was a party made up before they separated for an excursion to
the Hintersee and the Obersee. On this occasion Lady Mary seemed to
enjoy herself, as she liked the companionship of Mrs. Finn. Against
Lady Cantrip she never said a word. But Lady Cantrip was always a
duenna to her, whereas Mrs. Finn was a friend. While the Duke and
Phineas were discussing politics together--thoroughly enjoying the
weakness of Lord Drummond and the iniquity of Sir Timothy--which they
did with augmented vehemence from their ponies' backs, the two women
in lower voices talked over their own affairs. "I dare say you will
be happy at Custins," said Mrs. Finn.

"No; I shall not. There will be people there whom I don't know, and I
don't want to know. Have you heard anything about him, Mrs. Finn?"

Mrs. Finn turned round and looked at her,--for a moment almost
angrily. Then her heart relented. "Do you mean--Mr. Tregear?"

"Yes, Mr. Tregear."

"I think I heard that he was shooting with Lord Silverbridge."

"I am glad of that," said Mary.

"It will be pleasant for both of them."

"I am very glad they should be together. While I know that, I feel
that we are not altogether separated. I will never give it up, Mrs.
Finn,--never; never. It is no use taking me to China." In that Mrs.
Finn quite agreed with her.

CHAPTER XLII

Again at Killancodlem

Silverbridge remained at Crummie-Toddie under the dominion of
Reginald Dobbes till the second week in September. Popplecourt,
Nidderdale, and Gerald Palliser were there also, very obedient, and
upon the whole efficient. Tregear was intractable, occasional, and
untrustworthy. He was the cause of much trouble to Mr. Dobbes. He
would entert