his will. The look and tone
brought his hand at once to press hers in eager gratitude, but still she
would not pursue this branch of the subject; she looked up to him and
said gently, but firmly, "Yes, it may be better that the true state of
the case should be known," and he felt that she thus conveyed that he
must not press her further, so he let her continue, "At first I thought
it would do him good, he began pitying us so vehemently; but when he
found I did not pity myself, he was as ready to forget our troubles
as--you are to forget his," she added, catching Colin's fixed eye, more
intent on herself than on her narrative.

"I beg his pardon, but there are things that come more home."

"So thought he," said Ermine.

"Did you find out," said Colin, now quite recalled, "what made him take
courage?"

"When he had once come to the subject, it seemed to be a relief to tell
it all out, but he was so faltering and agitated that I did not always
follow what he said. I gather, though, that Lady Temple has used him a
little as a defence from other perils."

"Yes, I have seen that."

"And Miss Keith's fun has been more encouragement than she knew;
constantly summoning him to the croquet-ground, and giving him to
understand that Lady Temple liked to have him there. Then came that
unlucky day, it seems, when he found Bessie mounting her horse at the
door, and she called out that it was too wet for croquet, but Lady
Temple was in the garden, and would be glad to see him. She was going to
make visits, and he walked down with her, and somehow, in regretting the
end of the croquet season, he was surprised into saying how much it had
been to him. He says she was exceedingly kind, and regretted extremely
that anything should have inspired the hope, said she should never marry
again, and entreated him to forget it, then I imagine she fled in here
to put an end to it."

"She must have been much more gentle this time than she was with Keith.
I had never conceived her capable of being so furious as she was then. I
am very sorry, I wish we could spare her these things."

"I am afraid that can only be done in one way, which you are not likely
at present to take," said Ermine with a serious mouth, but with light
dancing in her eyes.

"I know no one less likely to marry again," he continued, "yet no one of
whom the world is so unlikely to believe it. Her very gentle simplicity
and tenderness tell against her! Well, the only hope now