ive conviction lay in her heart--that Dr. Ashton, now
reading the first lesson before her, for he was taking the whole of the
service that evening, could not, under any circumstance, be guilty of a
false assertion or subterfuge. One solution of the difficulty presented
itself to her--that her mother, in her irascibility, had misunderstood
the Rector; and yet that was improbable. As Maude half sat, half lay back
in the pew, for the faint feeling was especially upon her that evening,
she thought she would give a great deal to set the matter at rest.

When the service was over she took the more secluded way home; those of
the servants who had attended returning as usual by the road. On reaching
the turning where the three paths diverged, the faintness which had been
hovering over her all the evening suddenly grew worse; and but for a
friendly tree, she might have fallen. It grew better in a few moments,
but she did not yet quit her support.

Very surprised was the Rector of Calne to come up and see Lady Hartledon
in this position. Every Sunday evening, after service, he went to visit
a man in one of the cottages, who was dying of consumption, and he was on
his way there now. He would have preferred to pass without speaking: but
Lady Hartledon looked in need of assistance; and in common Christian
kindness he could not pass her by.

"I beg your pardon, Lady Hartledon. Are you ill?"

She took his offered arm with her disengaged hand, as an additional
support; and her white face turned a shade whiter.

"A sudden faintness overtook me. I am better now," she said, when able to
speak.

"Will you allow me to walk on with you?"

"Thank you; just a little way. If you will not mind it."

That he must have understood the feeling which prompted the concluding
words was undoubted: and perhaps had Lady Hartledon been in possession
of her keenest senses, she might never have spoken them. Pride and health
go out of us together. Dr. Ashton took her on his arm, and they walked
slowly in the direction of the little bridge. Colour was returning to her
face, strength to her frame.

"The heat of the day has affected you, possibly?"

"Yes, perhaps; I have felt faint at times lately. The church was very hot
to-night."

Nothing more was said until the bridge was gained, and then Maude
released his arm.

"Dr. Ashton, I thank you very much. You have been a friend in need."

"But are you sure you are strong enough to go on alone? I will