n Old Keston just now. You'll find it very
dull."

"That won't matter to me. I have to go back on Monday."

"Oh! Have you had a nice time the first part? I thought you were going
to have a fortnight in September."

As Gertrude could think of nothing to say, Reggie's holiday seemed a
very safe subject.

He laughed a little.

"This is the first part; I came up by last night's mail, I haven't
even been home yet. I came off directly I heard about Maud and all
your trouble. I was so awfully sorry, and letters are not the least
bit of use for saying what you feel."

"It's very good of you," said Gertrude gratefully. "Shall you come
home again in September?"

"Oh! there won't be any September," said Reggie cheerfully.

There was another pause and then Gertrude said in a very low voice,

"Reggie, have you heard _all_ the stories that they tell?"

"I expect so," answered Reggie soberly; "but, Gertrude, I would have
given up all my holiday, except one hour, if I could just say one word
to comfort you."

She looked up at him suddenly, startled.

"Reggie," she said, "do you mean that you gave up all your holiday
just to get four days to come up and comfort me? Me! after all you
have heard!"

"I don't even _think_ about those stories," said Reggie, half
scornfully, half indignantly.

"Don't you?" said Gertrude wistfully. "Oh, Reggie, it is a comfort
just to see you sitting there; it is indeed! Except at home here--and
they've been so good to me--you are the first that has said one kind
word to me about it all. I knew you would when you heard. Only I don't
feel as if I ought to be looking for comfort or happiness for myself
till she is found; you'll understand that, won't you?"

"Yes, I understand. But that's your side of it, Gertrude. There's
another side, and that's my side. I want you to listen to what I've
come all the way from Scotland to say. I've said it to myself for
years. Last night, when the train was rushing down through England, I
was saying it to myself over and over again. Now I'm going to say it
to you.

"Gertrude, I love you, I shall always love you, I want you to belong
to me for always. I only think of the happiness of my life as bound
up in you. I think of your love as the best and happiest thing God can
give me.

"That's my side of this matter, and I want you to think of it often,
and then, when little Maud is found, and we can talk about our own
happiness, then you must tell me what you t