elings of her friends and her own sense of prudence and the fitness of
things? No--and I would not! I would go at once, and she should never
know that I had approached the place of her abode: for though I might
disclaim all idea of ever aspiring to her hand, or even of soliciting a
place in her friendly regard, her peace should not be broken by my
presence, nor her heart afflicted by the sight of my fidelity.

'Adieu then, dear Helen, forever! Forever adieu!'

So said I--and yet I could not tear myself away. I moved a few paces,
and then looked back, for one last view of her stately home, that I might
have its outward form, at least, impressed upon my mind as indelibly as
her own image, which, alas! I must not see again--then walked a few steps
further; and then, lost in melancholy musings, paused again and leant my
back against a rough old tree that grew beside the road.

CHAPTER LIII

While standing thus, absorbed in my gloomy reverie, a gentleman's
carriage came round the corner of the road. I did not look at it; and
had it rolled quietly by me, I should not have remembered the fact of its
appearance at all; but a tiny voice from within it roused me by
exclaiming, 'Mamma, mamma, here's Mr. Markham!'

I did not hear the reply, but presently the same voice answered, 'It is
indeed, mamma--look for yourself.'

I did not raise my eyes, but I suppose mamma looked, for a clear
melodious voice, whose tones thrilled through my nerves, exclaimed, 'Oh,
aunt! here's Mr. Markham, Arthur's friend! Stop, Richard!'

There was such evidence of joyous though suppressed excitement in the
utterance of those few words--especially that tremulous, 'Oh, aunt'--that
it threw me almost off my guard. The carriage stopped immediately, and I
looked up and met the eye of a pale, grave, elderly lady surveying me
from the open window. She bowed, and so did I, and then she withdrew her
head, while Arthur screamed to the footman to let him out; but before
that functionary could descend from his box a hand was silently put forth
from the carriage window. I knew that hand, though a black glove
concealed its delicate whiteness and half its fair proportions, and
quickly seizing it, I pressed it in my own--ardently for a moment, but
instantly recollecting myself, I dropped it, and it was immediately
withdrawn.

'Were you coming to see us, or only passing by?' asked the low voice of
its owner, who, I felt, was attentively surveying