n years," said Rachel, who
was not yet accustomed to the invariable assumption on the part of Mr.
Gresley that no one took an interest in the most obvious good work until
he had introduced and championed it. "But," she added, "I will stay with
pleasure."

Dick, who was becoming somewhat restive under Mrs. Gresley's inquiries
about the Newhavens, became suddenly interested in the temperance
meeting.

"I've seen many a good fellow go to the dogs through drink in the
Colonies, more's the pity," Dick remarked. "I think I'll come too,
James. And if you want a few plain words you call on me."

"I will," said Mr. Gresley, much gratified. "I always make a point of
encouraging the laity--at least, those among them who are thoroughly
grounded in Church teaching--to express themselves. Hear both sides,
that is what I always say. The Bishop constantly enjoins on his clergy
to endeavor to elicit the lay opinion. The chair this evening will be
taken by Mr. Pratt, a layman."

The temperance meeting was to take place at seven o'clock, and possibly
Rachel may have been biassed in favor of that entertainment by the hope
of a quiet half-hour with Hester in her own room. At any rate, she
secured it.

When they were alone Rachel produced Lady Newhaven's note.

"Do come to Westhope," she said. "While you are under this roof it seems
almost impossible to see you, unless we are close to it," and she
touched the sloping ceiling with her hand. "And yet I came to Westhope,
and I am going on to Wilderleigh, partly in order to be near you."

Hester shook her head.

"The book is nearly finished," she said, the low light from the attic
window striking sideways on the small face with its tightly compressed
lips.

A spirit indomitable, immortal, looked for a moment out of Hester's gray
eyes. The spirit was indeed willing, but the flesh was becoming weaker
day by day.

"When it is finished," she went on, "I will go anywhere and do anything,
but stay here I must till it is done. Besides, I am not fit for society
at present. I am covered with blue mould. Do you remember how that
horrid Lady Carbury used to laugh at the country squires' daughters for
being provincial? I have gone a peg lower than being provincial--I have
become parochial."

A knock came at the door, and Fraeulein's mild, musical face appeared in
the aperture.

"I fear to disturb you," she said, "but Regie say he cannot go to sleep
till he see you."

Hester introduced Fra