red to bring them, and consult
with me. If there is any good deed to be done, it is sure to be done by
Anne Valery," added Nathanael, stretching out his hand to hers.

She took it without speaking, being apparently much exhausted. And now
that her bonnet was off, and she sitting near the lamp, Agatha discerned
that Miss Valery was by no means young or beautiful. At all events, she
was at that time in an unmarried woman's life when it ceases to signify
whether she is handsome or not. Her hair at first seemed brown, but on
looking closer, there appeared on either side the parting broad silvery
lines, as if two snow-laden hands laid on the head had smoothed it down,
leaving it shining still.

Agatha turned from her passing examination of Miss Valery to the subject
in question, evidently so painful to her betrothed.

"You two wish to consult together? Do so. Pray stay here. I am very
sorry for your trouble, Mr. Harper. Anything that I can do for you or
your friend, you know"--and her voice dropped softly--"it is my duty
now."

Nathanael looked at her, as if longing to clasp her to his heart and
say how happy he was; but he restrained himself and let his eyes alone
declare what he felt. They were very eloquent.

While this passed between the young people, the elder lady arose from
her chair; quietness seemed painful to her.

"Nathanael, every minute is precious to anxiety such as you must feel.
Have you thought what had better be done, since you are the right person
to do it?"

"As yet I have thought of nothing. And, alas! what _can_ be done?"

"Sit down, and let us consider," said she, laying her hand on his, with
a force soft yet steady as that of her words.

Agatha was gliding out of the room, but her lover's quick movement and
Miss Valery's look stopped her.

"Do not go, Miss Bowen; you are not so unknown to me as I am to you. I
had much rather you stayed."

So she took up her position a little distance off, and listened while
the two friends consulted; pondering the while on what a rare kind of
man Mr. Brian Harper must be to win such regard.

"You say the news came accidentally?" Mr. Harper observed. "It may not
be true, then."

"It is. I had it confirmed to-day."

"How?"

"I went to the Colonial Office myself." ("Kind Anne Valery!" murmured
the young man.) "It was best to do so before I told you anything. You,
knowing the whole facts, would then decide more readily."

"You are right and wise as ev