rettiest
of frocks. Never did she look more lovely than when she came walking
towards him that morning, with her light, proud step, which was so
full of grace and womanly dignity. Never had he thought her more sweet
and heart-compelling, than when, having first made sure that Jakes had
retreated to feed his pigs, she shyly lifted her bright face to be
greeted with his kiss. But she was quick of sympathy, and had learned
to read him like an open page, and before his lips had fairly fallen
on her own she knew that things had gone amiss.

"Oh, what is it, Arthur?" she said, with a little pant of fear.

"Be brave, dear, and I will tell you." And in somewhat choky tones, he
recounted word for word what had passed between her father and
himself.

She listened in perfect silence, and bore the blow as a brave woman
should. When he had finished, she said, with a little tremor in her
voice:

"You will not forget me in a year, will you, Arthur?"

He kissed her by way of answer, and then they agreed to go together to
Philip, and try to turn him from his purpose.

Breakfast was not a cheerful meal that day, and Pigott, noticing the
prevailing depression, remarked, with sarcasm, that they might, for
all appearance to the contrary, have been married for twenty years;
but even this spirited sally did not provoke a laugh. Ten o'clock, the
hour that was to decide their fate, came all too soon, and it was with
very anxious hearts that they took their way to the study. Philip, who
was seated in residence, appeared to view Angela's arrival with some
uneasiness.

"Of course, Angela," he said, "I am always glad to see you, but I
hardly expected----"

"I beg your pardon for intruding, father," she answered; "but, as this
is very important to me, I thought that I had better come too, and
hear what is settled."

As it was evident that she meant to stay, Philip did not attempt to
gainsay her.

"Oh, very well, very well--I suppose you have heard the terms upon
which I am prepared to consent to your engagement."

"Yes, Arthur has told me; and it is to implore you to modify them that
we have come. Father, they are cruel terms--to be dead to each other
for a whole long year."

"I cannot help it, Angela. I am sorry to inflict pain upon either of
you; but I have arrived at them entirely in your own interests, and
after a great deal of anxious thought. Believe me, a year's probation
will be very good for both of you; it is not probable