lf-hours went by in such chatting. Sidney abandoned
himself to the enjoyment of peace such as he had never known save in
this room, to a delicious restfulness such as was always inspired in
him by the girl's gentle voice, by her laughter, by her occasional
quiet movements. The same influence was affecting his whole life. To
Jane he owed the gradual transition from tumultuous politics and social
bitterness to the mood which could find pleasure as of old in nature
and art. This was his truer self, emancipated from the distorting
effect of the evil amid which he perforce lived. He was recovering
somewhat of his spontaneous boyhood; at the same time, reaching after a
new ideal of existence which only ripened manhood could appreciate.

Snowdon returned at eleven; it alarmed Sidney to find how late he had
allowed himself to remain, and he began shaping apologies. But the old
man had nothing but the familiar smile and friendly words.

'Haven't you given Mr. Kirkwood any supper?' he asked of Jane, looking
at the table.

'I really forgot all about it, grandfather,' was the laughing reply.

Then Snowdon laughed, and Sidney joined in the merriment; but he would
not be persuaded to stay longer.

CHAPTER XVII

CLEM MAKES A DISCLOSURE

When Miss Peckover suggested to her affianced that their wedding might
as well take place at the registry-office, seeing that there would then
be no need to go to expense in the article of costume, Mr. Snowdon
readily assented; at the same time it gave him new matter for
speculation. Clem was not exactly the kind of girl to relinquish
without good reason that public ceremony which is the dearest of all
possible ceremonies to women least capable of reverencing its
significance. Every day made it more obvious that the Peckovers desired
to keep this marriage a secret until it was accomplished. In one way
only could Joseph James account for the mystery running through the
whole affair; it must be that Miss Peckover had indiscretions to
conceal, certain points in her history with which she feared lest her
bridegroom should be made acquainted by envious neighbours. The thought
had no effect upon Mr. Snowdon save to excite his mirth; his attitude
with regard to such possibilities was that of a philosopher. The views
with which he was entering upon this alliance were so beautifully
simple that he really did not find it worth while to puzzle further as
soon as the plausible solution of his difficu