than she had imagined!

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO.

Rob stayed behind after Peggy left the room, and had a long talk with
his brother. He refused to stay to dinner, it is true, but showed no
signs of ill-temper, and was more gentle than usual in his manner with
Hector, towards whom he usually adopted an air of superiority. He came
over the following day to inquire about the progress of the sprained
ankle, and seemed so anxious to soothe Peggy's embarrassment, so
laboriously pleasant and affectionate, that he succeeded in plunging her
into confusion worse confounded. If only he would scold, storm, rage,
express disgust, or demand apology, how easy it would be to wipe away
the misunderstanding! but it was impossible to offer an explanation of
what was never questioned. The very thought of referring to the subject
of her own accord made Peggy's cheeks burn. The most she could do was
to give Rob an opportunity of speaking, which she did without delay,
walking with him to the gate, and keeping purposely silent the while;
but it was of no use, for he seemed resolved to avoid personal subjects,
would not mention Hector's name, and discoursed on vegetable life to an
audience inclined to wish that such a thing as plant or flower had never
existed!

Why was not he angry? Peggy asked herself drearily, as she returned to
the house. Another girl might have realised that Rob had not the right
to be angry, seeing that she was in no wise pledged to himself; but at
heart Peggy considered herself pledged, and felt sore and wounded that
Rob did not realise her position.

Care for another man while Rob was near? Impossible! Share her life
with another, and leave Rob lonely and uncared for? The very thought
sent a pang to her heart. Rob and she had held together since they were
children, they had always belonged to each other; he should have
realised as much, and not have insulted her by believing for a moment
that she could be false to her trust. Peggy's little head tilted back
to a defiant angle, and her lips closed in determined line. Very well,
then; if Rob were not angry, she was! If he chose to take things for
granted, he could do as he pleased. Let him go on being magnanimous and
complacent. Two could play at that game. Never should it be said that
Peggy Saville ran after a man who seemed pleased at the prospect of
getting rid of her. And then, as the drive took a turn which brought it
in sight of the road, Miss Pe