nd embarrassed. And then, to put her at her ease, he wanted her to
promise that she would marry me as soon as possible. It was no use
trying to hush him, for he would have his say. I got her away at last
by pretending you would be waiting tea for us. Oh, here she comes,"
and his face brightened as he hurried to his _fiancee's_ side. Greta
had recovered her tranquillity, and when Marcus entered she received
his congratulations as happily as possible.

Olivia went over to Galvaston House the next day.

Mr. Gaythorne was evidently expecting her.

"Well," he said, holding her hand, "I suppose you have come to
congratulate me on my new daughter. I tell Alwyn he is a lucky dog. A
sweet girl and three thousand a year. Not that either he or I care
about the money,--there will be plenty for Alwyn, plenty. I was
telling them both last night," he went on, "that there must be no delay
and nonsense. In my state of health any procrastination would be
foolish. I want to see him with a good wife. Crampton is all very
well, but a wife will understand him better. The house will hold us
all. With the exception of the library and my own bedroom, it will all
belong to them. Alwyn can refurnish the drawing-room, if he likes; and
there is that little room on the first floor, opening into the
conservatory, that would make a charming morning-room for Greta. He
can have _carte blanche_ to do what he likes, and she and Crampton will
manage the house between them, so what is the use of waiting?"

And as Olivia noted the old man's feverish excitement she could not
help thinking that a short engagement would be best, and when Alwyn
walked with her to Mayfield Villas she told him so.

"I quite agree with you," was his answer. "Dr. Luttrell and I had a
talk over things last night, but I do not mean Greta to be bothered
with plans and preparations until she has had a few days' quiet You do
not know her as well as I do, Mrs. Luttrell. Greta is so unselfish, so
absolutely self-less, that she will do anything for the good of those
she loves. In the old days she always yielded her wishes to Olive, and
she is just as ready to do so now," and, as Alwyn said this with his
bright, winning smile, Olivia was not quite so sure, after all, that
Greta had made a mistake.

CHAPTER XXI.

SUNSHINE AND CLOUDS.

"A friend who is both intelligent and well-affected is the most
valuable of all possessions."--_Herodotus_.

About a fortn