, and my hair! I never knew
what freedom was till I got rid of poor, foolish, grumbling
Higgins."

"But you may get a nice girl who will be a comfort to you."

"No, I never will have a woman again to do nothing but look after
me. It isn't fair to them. Besides, dear, you can't say that I
don't look better since I have done my own hair. Did you ever see
it look brighter than it does now?"

"Never; and now here is luncheon all ready." So they sat down on
the verge of the slope, and ate their cold chicken and tongue,
with the relish imparted by youth, a long ride, and the bracing
air.

Mary was merrier and brighter than ever, but it was an effort
with him to respond; and soon she began to notice this, and then
there was a pause, which she broke at last with something of an
effort.

"There is that look again. What makes you look so serious, now? I
must know."

"Was I looking serious? I beg your pardon, dearest; and I won't
do so again any more;" and he smiled as he answered, but the
smile faded away before her steady, loving gaze, and he turned
slightly from her, and looked out over the vale below.

She watched him for a short time in silence, her own fair young
face changing like a summer sea as the light clouds pass over it.
Presently she seemed to have come to some decision; for, taking
off her riding hat, she threw it, and her whip and gauntlets, on
the turf beside her, and drawing nearer to his side, laid her
hand on his. He looked at her fondly, and, stroking her hair,
said--

"Take care of your complexion, Mary."

"Oh, it will take care of itself in this air, dear. Besides, you
are between me and the sun; and now you _must_ tell me why you
look so serious. It is not the first time I have noticed that
look. I am your wife, you know, and I have a right to know your
thoughts, and share all your joy, and all your sorrow. I do not
mean to give up any of my rights which I got by marrying you."

"Your rights, dearest! your poor little rights, which you have
gained by changing name, and plighting troth. It is thinking of
that--thinking of what you have bought, and the Price you have
paid for it, which makes me sad at times, even when you are
sitting by me, and laying your hand on my hand, and the sweet
burden of your pure life and being on my soiled and baffled
manhood."

"But it was my own bargain, you know, dear, and I am satisfied
with my purchase. I paid the price with my eyes open."

"Ah, if I only c