hem from disuse that, like Pilate, they do not
even know what it is! I was going to say, however, that if you care to
trust me with it, I think I see how I can take a message to Angela for
you--without either causing you to break your promise or doing
anything dishonourable myself."

"How?"

"Well, if you like, I will take her that ring. I think that is a very
generous offer on my part, for I do not like the responsibility."

"But what is the use of taking her the ring?"

"It is something that there can be no mistake about, that is all, a
speaking message from yourself. But don't give it me if you do not
like; perhaps you had rather not!"

"I don't like parting with it at all, I confess, but I should dearly
like to send her something. I suppose that you would not take a
letter?"

"You would not write one, Mr. Heigham!"

"No, of course, I forget that accursed promise. Here, take the ring,
and say all you can to Angela with it. You promise that you will?"

"Certainly, I promise that I will say all I can."

"You are very good and kind. I wish to Heaven that I were going to
Marlshire with you. If you only knew how I long to see her again. I
think that it would break my heart if anything happened to separate
us," and his lips quivered at the thought.

Lady Bellamy turned her sombre face upon him--there was compassion in
her eyes.

"If you bear Angela Caresfoot so great a love, be guided by me and
shake it off, strangle it--be rid of it anyhow; for fulfilled
affection of that nature would carry a larger happiness with it than
is allowed in a world planned expressly to secure the greatest misery
of the greatest number. There is a fate which fights against it; its
ministers are human folly and passion. You have seen many marriages,
tell me, how many have you known, out of a novel, where the people
married their true loves? In novels they always do, it is another of
society's pleasant fictions, but real life is like a novel without the
third volume. I do not want to alarm you, Mr. Heigham; but, because I
like you, I ask you to steel your mind to disappointment, so that, if
a blow comes, it may not crush you."

"What do you mean, Lady Bellamy, do you know of any impending
trouble?"

"I? Certainly not. I only talk on general principles. Do not be over-
confident, and _never_ trust a woman. Come, let us get home."

Next morning, when Arthur came down to breakfast, the Bellamys had
sailed. The mail had come in fro