than let her mother
perceive that her marriage was less than happy. To the end she would
speak that word 'my husband,' when it was necessary to speak it at all,
with the confidence of a woman who knows no other safeguard against the
ills of life. To the end she would shield the man with her own dignity,
and protect him as far as possible even against himself.

Mutimer smiled again, this time with satisfaction.

'I certainly think we can take care of ourselves,' he remarked briefly.

In a few minutes they were joined by Alfred, who had only just returned
from Belwick, and dinner was served. It was not a cheerful evening.
At Adela's request it had been decided in advance that the final
leave-taking should be to-night; she and Mutimer would drive to Agworth
station together with Alfred the first thing in the morning. At ten
o'clock the parting came. Letty could not speak for sobbing; she just
kissed Adela and hurried from the room. Mrs. Waltham preserved a rather
frigid stateliness.

'Good-bye, my dear,' she said, when released from her daughter's
embrace. 'I hope I may have good news from you.'

With Mutimer she shook hands.

It was a starry and cold night. The two walked side by side without
speaking. When they were fifty yards on their way, a figure came out of
a corner of the road, and Adela heard Letty call her name.

'I will overtake you,' she said to her husband.

'Adela, my sweet, I _couldn't_ say good-bye to you in the house!'

Letty hung about her dear one's neck. Adela choked; she could only press
her cheek against that moist one.

'Write to me often--oh, write often,' Letty sobbed. 'And tell me the
truth, darling, will you?'

'It will be all well, dear sister,' Adela whispered.

'Oh, that is a dear name! Always call me that. I can't say good-bye,
darling. You will come to see us as soon as ever you can?'

'As soon as I can, Letty.'

Adela found her husband awaiting her.

'What did she want?' he asked, with genuine surprise.

'Only to say good-bye.'

'Why, she'd said it once.'

The interior of the Manor was not yet disturbed, but all the furniture
was sold, and would be taken away on the morrow. They went to the
drawing room. After some insignificant remarks Mutimer asked:

'What letter was that Westlake gave you?'

'It was from Stella--from Mrs. Westlake.'

He paused. Then:

'Will you let me see it?'

'Certainly, if you wish.'

She felt for it in her bosom and handed it to him. It