it not an absurd
conventional regulation which says that such a union would be wrong?'

It may be concluded that the strength of Christine's large-minded
argument was rather an evidence of weakness than of strength in the
passion it concerned, which had required neither argument nor reasoning
of any kind for its maintenance when full and flush in its early days.

When driving home in the dark with her father she sank into pensive
silence. She was thinking of Nicholas having to trudge on foot all those
miles back after his exertions on the sward. Mr. Everard, arousing
himself from a nap, said suddenly, 'I have something to mention to 'ee,
by George--so I have, Chris! You probably know what it is?'

She expressed ignorance, wondering if her father had discovered anything
of her secret.

'Well, according to him you know it. But I will tell 'ee. Perhaps you
noticed young Jim Bellston walking me off down the lawn with him?--whether
or no, we walked together a good while; and he informed me that he wanted
to pay his addresses to 'ee. I naturally said that it depended upon
yourself; and he replied that you were willing enough; you had given him
particular encouragement--showing your preference for him by specially
choosing him for your partner--hey? "In that case," says I, "go on and
conquer--settle it with her--I have no objection." The poor fellow was
very grateful, and in short, there we left the matter. He'll propose to-
morrow.'

She saw now to her dismay what James Bellston had read as encouragement.
'He has mistaken me altogether,' she said. 'I had no idea of such a
thing.'

'What, you won't have him?'

'Indeed, I cannot!'

'Chrissy,' said Mr. Everard with emphasis, 'there's noobody whom I should
so like you to marry as that young man. He's a thoroughly clever fellow,
and fairly well provided for. He's travelled all over the temperate
zone; but he says that directly he marries he's going to give up all
that, and be a regular stay-at-home. You would be nowhere safer than in
his hands.'

'It is true,' she answered. 'He is a highly desirable match, and I
should be well provided for, and probably very safe in his hands.'

'Then don't be skittish, and stand-to.'

She had spoken from her conscience and understanding, and not to please
her father. As a reflecting woman she believed that such a marriage
would be a wise one. In great things Nicholas was closest to her nature;
in little things Bellst