fe," he said, at
length. "We will put the sad past away from us, and think of it only as
a dream."

"But this secret will still fret you," she murmured.

"It will wear away with time and with change of scene," he answered
sadly.

"Change of scene!" she repeated in a startled tone. "Are you going
away?"

"Yes; I have sold my station, and intend leaving Australia for ever
during the next three months."

"And where are you going?" asked the girl, rather bewildered.

"Anywhere," he said a little bitterly. "I am going to follow the
example of Cain, and be a wanderer on the face of the earth!"

"Alone!"

"That is what I have come to see you about," said Brian, looking
steadily at her. "I have come to ask you if you will marry me at once,
and we will leave Australia together."

She hesitated.

"I know it is asking a great deal," he said, hurriedly, "to leave your
friends, your position, and"--with hesitation--"your father; but think
of my life without you--think how lonely I shall be, wandering round
the world by myself; but you will not desert me now I have so much need
of you--you will come with me and be my good angel in the future as you
have been in the past?"

She put her hand on his arm, and looking at him with her clear, grey
eyes, said--"Yes!"

"Thank God for that," said Brian, reverently, and there was again a
silence.

Then they sat down and talked about their plans, and built castles in
the air, after the fashion of lovers.

"I wonder what papa will say?" observed Madge, idly twisting her
engagement ring round and round.

Brian frowned, and a dark look passed over his face.

"I suppose I must speak to him about it?" he said at length,
reluctantly.

"Yes, of course!" she replied, lightly. "It is merely a formality;
still, one that must be observed."

"And where is Mr. Frettlby?" asked Fitzgerald, rising.

"In the billiard-room," she answered, as she followed his example.
"No!" she continued, as she saw her father step on to the verandah.
"Here he is."

Brian had not seen Mark Frettlby for some time, and was astonished at
the change which had taken place in his appearance. Formerly, he had
been as straight as an arrow, with a stern, fresh-coloured face; but
now he had a slight stoop, and his face looked old and withered. His
thick, black hair was streaked here and there with white. His eyes
alone were unchanged. They were as keen and bright as ever. Brian knew
full well how he himself ha