Fay thought about it all when she went to bed; she had got used
to her big shadowy room by this time; she lay wide awake watching the
fire-light flicker and dance on the walls; how odd that people who
loved each other so much should misunderstand each other so strangely;
of course Crystal loved this grand-looking Raby, and yet of her own
accord she was hiding from him; and Fay thrilled with pity and
affectionate sympathy, as she pondered over the sad story. She tried
to tell Hugh when he returned the next day, but he was too busy or
else unwilling to listen to her.

"Yes, I know all about it--I never cared very much for the girl," he
said, hastily; and then, as Fay looked intensely surprised, he added
rather irritably:

"I told you we were old friends once, and of course I saw Miss Crystal
when I visited at the Grange; she was never my taste--handsome, of
course, but one could see she had a bit of the devil in her--she had a
temper of her own if you like; and Mr. Ferrers spoiled her; he was
terribly infatuated--I dare say he is still--men will be fools
sometimes. There, don't keep me talking, Fay; of course every one in
Sandycliffe and Singleton knows the story. I am not so sure that it
was not wise of the girl to run away, after all."

"Hugh must have been very intimate with them all," thought Fay when
she was left alone. "How I wish he were not always too busy to talk to
me. Erle says he is sure he is killing himself rushing about as he
does, and he does look terribly ill. I wish he would see Dr. Martin,
but of course my asking him to do so would only make him angry. It is
very wrong of me, I am afraid; but I can not help longing to know why
Hugh has quarreled with them so. I don't like to vex him, but it seems
to me as though I have a right to know all that concerns my husband"--
and Fay's throat swelled and her eyes grew a little dim. "Perhaps when
something happens he will think me older and talk to me more," she
said; and though she was alone a rosy flush came over her face.

Fay was very sorry when the time came for Erle to go back to Belgrave
House; she would miss him sadly she knew. They had resumed their old
walks and drives, and Fay paid visits to Bonnie Bess in her stable,
and taught the pretty creature to follow her over the place like a
dog.

Erle was sorry to go too; he had grown very much attached to his new
cousin. Mr. Ferrers was to join him a little later at Belgrave House,
and he promised to wr