few moments' thought, 'in the
relations you are establishing between us, it is right that you should
know the full extent of the benefits you are conferring.'

It was true, then? Well, it was better than a New World lady, and Honora
contrived to look pleasantly expectant.

'I know it was very presumptuous,' he said; 'but I could not help making
my feelings known to one who is very dear to you--Miss Fulmort.'

'Indeed she is,' said Honor; though maybe poor Phoebe had of late been a
shade less dear to her.

'And with your consent,' said be, perhaps a little disconcerted by her
want of warmth, 'I hope this kindness of yours may abridge the term of
waiting to which we looked forward.'

'What were you waiting for?'

'Until such time as I could provide a home to which she could take her
sister Maria. So you see what you have done for us.'

'Maria!'

'Yes. She promised her mother, on her death-bed, that Maria should be
her charge, and no one could wish her to lay it aside.'

'And the family are aware of the attachment?'

'The brothers are, and have been kinder than I dared to expect. It was
thought better to tell no one else until we could see our way; but you
have a right to know now, and I have the more hope that you will find
comfort in the arrangement, since I know how warmly and gratefully she
feels towards you. I may tell her?' he added, with a good deal of
affirmation in his question.

'What would you do if I told you not?' she asked, thawing for the first
time out of her set speeches.

'I should feel very guilty and uncomfortable in writing.'

'Then come home with me to-morrow, and let us talk it over,' she said,
acting on a mandate of Owen's which she had strenuously refused to
promise to obey. 'You may leave your work in Owen's hands. He wants to
stay a few days in town, to arrange his plans, and, I do believe, to have
the pleasure of independence; but he will come back on Saturday, and we
will spend Easter together.'

'Miss Charlecote,' said Humfrey, suddenly, 'I have no right to ask, but I
cannot but fear that my having turned up is an injury to Sandbrook.'

'I can only tell you that he has been exceedingly anxious for the
recognition of your rights.'

'I understand now!' exclaimed Humfrey, turning towards her quickly; 'he
betrayed it when his mind was astray. I am thrusting him out of what
would have been his!'

'It cannot be helped,' began Honor; 'he never expected--'

'I can say no