for it."

This charmed Grace. "Ah," said she, "I have chosen right."

Then he kissed her hands, and blessed her: and then she told him it
was nothing; he was a goose, and had no idea what she would do for him;
"more than you would do for me, I know," said she.

That he denied, and then she said she might perhaps put him to the proof
some day.

They were so happy together, time slipped away unheeded. It was full
three hours before Henry could tear himself away, though he knew he
was wanted at the works; and he went out at the gate, glowing with
happiness: and Coventry, who was ready to drop with the fatigue of
walking and watching just above, saw him come out triumphant.

Then it was his turn to feel a deadly qualm. However, he waited a little
longer, and then made his call.

"Not at home."

Henry, on his way to the works, looked in on his mother, and told her
how nobly Grace had behaved.

Mrs. Little was pleased, and it smoothed down her maternal bristles, and
made it much easier for her to carry out her design. For the first time
since Mr. Carden had offended her by his cold-blooded treatment of her
son, she called at Woodbine Villa.

Grace was at home to see her, and met her with a blushing timidity, and
piteous, wistful looks, not easy to misunderstand nor to resist.

They soon came to an understanding, and Mrs. Little told Grace what Dr.
Amboyne had promised to do, and represented to her how much better it
would be for Henry to fall into his uncle Raby's views, than to engage
in hopeless struggles like that in which Mr. Bolt and he had just been
so signally defeated. "And then, you know, my dear, you could marry next
month--you two; that is to say, if YOU felt disposed: I will answer for
Henry."

Grace's red face and swimming eyes told how this shaft went home. In
short, she made a coy promise that she would co-operate with Mrs. Little
"and," said she, "how lucky! he has almost promised to grant me the
first favor I ask him. Well, I shall entreat him to be a good nephew,
and do whatever dear Mr. Raby asks him. But of course I shall not say,
and then if you do, you and I"--here the young lady cut her sentence
very short.

"Of course not," said Mrs. Little. "THAT will follow as a matter of
course. Now, my dear, you and I are conspirators--for his good: and we
must write often and let each other know all we do."

With this understanding, and a good many pretty speeches and kisses,
they parted.

Dr.