g
somewhat at the vehemence of last night's emotion, but not mistress
enough of herself to understand its danger. In that last moment of her
interview with Brian she had given way far more than he knew. If he had
understood and taken advantage of that moment of weakness, she would not
have been able to refuse him anything. At a word she would have given up
all for him--friends, home, riches, even her promise to Percival--and
gone forth into the world with the man she loved, happier in her poverty
than she had ever been in wealth. "Ask me no more, for at a touch I
yield," was the silent cry of her inmost soul. But Brian had not
understood. He did not dream that with Elizabeth, as with most women,
the very weakest time is that which immediately follows the moment of
greatest apparent strength. She had refused to listen to him at all--and
after that refusal she was not strong, but weak in heart and will as a
wearied child.

Realising this, Elizabeth felt a sensation of relief and safety. She had
escaped a great gulf--and yet--and yet--she had not reached that point
of reasonableness and moderation at which she could be exactly glad that
she had escaped.

She made her way downstairs, and reached the dining-room to find that
everyone but herself had breakfasted and gone out. She was too feverish
to do more than swallow a cup of coffee and a little toast, and she had
scarcely concluded her scanty meal before Mr. Heron entered the room
with a disconcerted expression upon his face.

"Do you know the reason of this freak of Stretton's, Elizabeth?" he
asked almost immediately.

"What do you mean, Uncle Alfred?"

"I mean--has he taken a dislike to Strathleckie, or has anybody offended
him? I can't understand it. Just when we were settling down so nicely,
and found him such an excellent tutor for the boys! To run away after
this fashion! It is too bad!"

"Does Mr. Stretton think of leaving Strathleckie?" said Elizabeth, with
her eyes bent steadfastly upon the table-cloth.

"Think of leaving! My dear Lizzie, he has left! Gone: went this morning
before any of us were down. Spoke to me last night about it; I tried to
dissuade him, but his mind was quite made up."

"What reason did he give?"

"Well, he would not tell me the exact reason. I tried to find out, but
he was as close as--as--wax," said Mr. Heron, trying to find a suitable
simile. "He said he was much obliged to us all for our kindness to him;
had no fault to find