nd dreamily began to play.

Perhaps it was the absence of General and Mrs. Forsyth that made me
feel more at ease, but instead of playing any of my classical pieces I
drifted into improvising as I went along, and then, as my thoughts took
me far away, I gave myself up to them entirely. 'Dwell deep' was
ringing softly but clearly in my ears. Storms could come and storms
could go, but in all and through all were those two little words of
peace and quiet. And my violin was with me, and understood my mood. I
don't know how long I played, but when I came to myself and
surroundings, soothed and comforted in spirit, I found them all staring
at me in astonishment. I let my bow fall in perfect silence, and
Captain Gates asked with a long-drawn breath, 'What is the name of
that?'

'Dwell deep!' I replied with a full heart; and then putting my violin
by, without another word I left them, and went up to my room. I did
not go down again that night.

CHAPTER IV

AN OPENING FOR WORK

'Whoever fears God, fears to sit at ease.'--_E. B. Browning._

'Hilda, mother wants to speak to you in her boudoir. We have just been
having a grand discussion about our dresses for the Walkers' affair,
and she wants to find out from you whether you are really going or not.'

I sighed as Nelly finished speaking.

I was picking some roses on the lawn, and Captain Gates had just
sauntered out of the smoking-room, cigar in mouth.

It was such a lovely morning that I was meditating spending it in my
favourite nook in the plantation, and for the time I had forgotten
everything unpleasant.

'You poor little creature!' said Nelly sympathetically, 'aren't you
tired of it? You have discussed the subject with father, given us a
long preach last night, and now there still remains mother! Let me
advise you, don't be too outspoken with her. Constance told her about
our dance last night, and mother seems to think that it must be pure
wilfulness on your part if you still refuse to go with us.'

'I wish I could be left alone,' I said a little wistfully; 'I shall
only make your mother angry.'

'Are you tired of showing your colours?' questioned Captain Gates.

'I hope not,' I said in a brighter tone, and then I went into the house.

Mrs. Forsyth was kind at first, but when she saw that I was really
determined she became vexed.

'It is placing me in a very awkward position, Hilda. What excuse can I
make for you? You have not even deli