n blind to what
had been going on round him during the last few weeks, and he
felt that some explanation with Maria was due. Well, there
should be an explanation, and if he found that she was still
willing to hold to their engagement--why, then they would be
married.

He went up to Maria, sitting at the window.

"It _is_ very warm in-doors," he said; "suppose you come and
take a turn in the garden."

"As you like," she answered; "I don't find it particularly
warm;" but she laid down her work at once, and joined him in
the garden.

They took two or three turns up and down the lawn in silence,
till at last Graham, trying to speak cheerfully, said, "I had
a letter this morning, Maria, that I want to consult you
about, as it concerns you as well as me."

"Does it?" she said indifferently. "Well?"

"There is an opening for a physician at that winter place for
invalids on the Mediterranean," said Graham, explaining, "and
I have the offer of it; it would suit me very well, for the
next year or two at any rate, and would enable us to marry at
once; but my doubt, Maria, is, whether you would not object to
leaving England."

"I don't see what that has to do with it," answered Maria,
shortly and coldly. "Of course you will do what you think
best."

"What I might think best in the abstract, Maria, is not the
point; what I want to ascertain are your wishes in the
matter."

"I should have thought you might have known already," she
replied; "you are very well aware that, for years, it has been
my wish that you should have this partnership with Dr.
Vavasour."

"I am aware of it," he said, and paused. "Listen to me,
Maria," he continued in a moment, "let me put the case fairly
before you. If I accept Dr. Vavasour's offer, it closes, so to
speak, my career. I shall be bound down to this country
practice for life probably, for years at any rate, since,
after making the arrangement, I could not feel justified in
altering it again during Dr. Vavasour's lifetime. If, on the
other hand, I go to L----, I shall be bound to no one, and free
to take anything else that might suit me better."

"Go, then!" cried Maria, hastily, "I will not stand in your
way. I should have thought, Horace, that after all these
years, you would have been glad to look forward to a quiet
home and a settled life; but I see it is different, so go to
L----, and never mind me. If it becomes a question between me
and your career, I should think your choi