exclaimed, for the first time
allowing herself to use the affectionate word. 'You will let me be glad
with you?'

Her hands stole a little forward, but Adela did not notice it; for she
was gazing straight before her, with an agitated look.

'Yes, I am very happy, I have found something to do in life. I was
afraid at first that I shouldn't be able to give my husband any help in
his work; I seemed useless. But I am learning, and I hope soon to be of
real use, if only in little things. You know that I have begun to give
a tea to the children every Wednesday? They're not in need of food and
comforts, I'm glad to say; nobody wants in New Wanley; but it's nice
to bring them together at the Manor, and teach them to behave gently to
each other, and to sit properly at table, and things like that. Will you
come and see them to-day?'

'I shall be very pleased.'

'To-day I'm going to begin something new. After tea we shall have a
reading. Mr. Wyvern sent me a book this morning--"Andersen's Fairy
Tales."'

'Oh, I've read them. Yes, that'll do nicely. Read them "The Ugly
Duckling," Adela; it's a beautiful story. I thought perhaps you were
going to read something--something instructive, you know.'

Adela laughed. It was Adela's laugh still, but not what it used to be.

'No, I want to amuse them. They get enough instruction in school. I hope
soon to give another evening to the older girls. I wonder whether you
would like to come and help me then?'

'If only you would let me! There is nothing I should like more than to
do something for you.'

'But you mustn't do it for me. It must be for the girls' sake.'

'Yes, for theirs as well, but ever so much more for yours, dear. You
can't think how glad I am that you have asked me.'

Again the little hand was put forward, and this time Adela took it.
But she did not soften as she once would have done. With eyes still far
away, she talked for some minutes of the hopes with which her life was
filled. Frequently she made mention of her husband, and always as one to
whom it was a privilege to devote herself. Her voice had little failings
and uncertainties now and then, but this appeared to come of excessive
feeling.

They rose and walked from the wood together.

'Alfred wants us to go to Malvern for a fortnight,' Letty said, when
they were near the gates of the Manor. 'We were wondering whether you
could come, Adela?'

'No, I can't leave Wanley,' was the reply. 'My husband'--she n