gh you had turned up
trumps;" and though Elizabeth pretended to frown at these personal
remarks, it was impossible not to laugh. Cedric had no idea how nearly
he had gauged the truth: he little knew the good news that awaited him
the next day. The knowledge that his dearest and most honoured friend
was to be his brother-in-law would fill his cup of bliss to the brim.

Anna was somewhat weary with her unusual exertions that day, and after
dinner Dinah established her in a cosy corner of the drawing-room,
promising that Cedric should come and talk to her there.

"I will stay with you till he comes, and then I have a letter to
write," she observed, for Dinah's tact was never at fault.

Elizabeth kissed her hand to them smilingly; then she wrapped herself
up in a soft fleecy shawl and went out into the moonlight, and
presently Malcolm joined her.

"I had some difficulty in shaking off Cedric," he remarked, as he took
her hand and placed it on his arm; "he was in a talkative mood, but I
told him his ladye-love would be waiting for him. He little knew my
ladye-love was waiting for me too."

"No; how pleased he will be when we tell him." How sweetly that "we"
sounded in Malcolm's ears! "Malcolm, there is something I want to ask
you. Will you go with me to Rotherwood to-morrow? I must see Mr.
Carlyon. He will be so happy about this"--with a light emphasising
pressure on his arm--"and he is like my own father. And then I want you
to come with me to David's grave."

"Did you fear I should refuse?" for Elizabeth's voice had been somewhat
hesitating. "Do you think I should refuse any wish that it is in my
power to gratify?"

"No," she said gently; "I know how good you will be to me--that if it
were possible you would strew my daily path with thornless roses. But
it is not possible, Malcolm."

"Then we will take our share of the briars and thorns together."

"Indeed we will. Malcolm, there is something I want to tell you before
we stand by that grave to-morrow--something I should like you to know;"
and then, in a voice broken by emotion, Elizabeth repeated the
substance of her conversation with Mr. Carlyon.

"It has made me so much happier," she faltered, when she had finished.
Then Malcolm drew her closer to him.

"I am glad you told me this," he said in a moved tone. "Dear Elizabeth,
I have a confession to make. In those old unhappy days I used to wonder
how you could care so much for him. He was good and true and ear