to put that question, but he could not quite
control his voice.

"Oh, it was Miss Ferrers's morning-room, she told me so, and it had a
bay window with a cushioned seat overlooking the garden. Oh, how
lovely Miss Ferrers is, Hugh. I have never seen any one like her,
never. I am sure she is as sweet and good as an angel, only I wish she
did not look so sad: there were tears in her eyes once when we were
talking; let me see, what were we talking about? oh, about those
cottages you are building, she did look so interested--did you speak,
dear?"

"No--go on," he said, huskily; but if only Fay could have seen his
face.

"I feel I should love her so if I could only see more of her. I could
not help kissing her when I came away, but she did not seem at all
surprised. Mr. Ferrers wished me God-speed in such a nice way, too.
Oh, they are dear people; I do wish you would let me know them, Hugh."

"My dear child, it is impossible," but Hugh spoke fast and nervously;
"have I not already explained to you that there can be no intimacy
between Redmond Hall and the Grange. When old friends quarrel as we
have, it is a fatal blow to all friendship."

"You were old friends, then?" in some surprise, for he had never said
as much to her before.

"Yes," he returned, reluctantly, for he had not meant to admit this
fact.

"But quarrels can be made up, Hugh; if it be only a misunderstanding,
surely it could be put right." But he silenced her somewhat haughtily.

"This is my affair, Fay--it is not like you to go against my wishes in
this way; what can a child like you know about it? I should have
thought a wife would have been willing to be guided by her husband,
but you seem to think you know best."

"Oh, no, Hugh"--very much ashamed at this--"I am quite sure you are
always right; only"--hesitating a little as though she feared to
offend him--"I should like you to tell me what the quarrel was about."

For a moment Sir Hugh remained absolutely dumb with surprise; it was
as though a dove had flown in his face; he had never known Fay
persistent before. If only she had asserted herself from the beginning
of their married life, she would have gained more influence over her
husband; if she had entrenched herself in her wifely dignity, and
refused to be treated like a child, kept in the dark about everything,
and petted, or civilly snubbed according to her husband's moods, she
would have won his confidence by this time.

Sir Hugh was qu