nces were almost always out of doors or
at the office, and Harold was more reserved than ever. He was not
carrying matters with the same high hand as his little love, for, as he
always said, he knew he had brought it all on himself.

He never complained of Lady Diana, but rather defended her to her son
for not thinking him fit for her daughter, only adhering to his
original standpoint, that where there was so much love, surely some
hope might be granted, since he would thankfully submit to any
probation.

We all expected that this would be the upshot of our suspense, and that
patience and constancy would prevail; and by the help of immense walks
and rides, and a good deal of interest in some new buildings at the
potteries, and schemes for the workmen, Harold kept himself very
equable and fairly cheerful, though his eyes were weary and anxious,
and when he was sitting still, musing, there was something in his pose
which reminded me more than ever of Michel Angelo's figures, above all,
the grand one on the Medicean monument. He consorted much more now
with Mr. Yolland, the curate, and was making arrangements by which the
school chapel might expand into a Mission Church, but still I did not
know that he was finding the best aid through this time in the
devotions and heart-searchings to which the young clergyman had led
him, and which were the real cause of the calm and dignified humility
with which he waited.

At last Lady Diana, finding herself powerless with her daughter, sent a
letter to Harold, beginning: "I appeal to your generosity." A very
cruel letter in some ways it was, representing that he had acquiesced
in her judgment, that there were certain unfortunate passages in his
past life which made it her painful duty to prevent her child from
following the dictates of an inexperienced heart. Then she put it to
him whether it were not a most unfortunate position for a young girl to
be involved in an engagement which could never be fulfilled, and which
was contrary to the commands of her only remaining parent, and she
showed how family peace, confidence, and maternal and filial affection
must suffer if the daughter should hold fast persistently to the
promise by which she held herself bound. In fact, it was an urgent
entreaty, for Viola's own sake, that he would release her from her
promise. Dermot was shooting at Erymanth, and neither he nor I knew of
this letter till Harold had acted. He rode at once to Ark