Is it really
so? Are you getting more used to me and my faults, dear?" There was
something inexpressibly tender in the way he said "Dear," the only
caressing word he ever used.

"Your faults?" re-echoed she in a merry incredulous tone. But before she
could say more, the guests most inopportunely arrived. And Agatha, very
naturally, darted from her husband to the other side of the room like a
flash of lightning.

If the Thornycrofts had expected to find a couple of turtle-doves cooing
in a cage, they were certainly disappointed. Mr. and Mrs. Locke Harper
had apparently settled down into an ordinary husband and wife, resuming
serenely their place in society, and behaving towards each other, and
the world in general, just like sensible old married people. Their
friends, taking the hint, treated them in like manner; and thus, now and
for ever, vanished Agatha's honeymoon.

After dinner, Emma, anxious about Agatha's proceedings, and still more
anxious to have a hand in the same, for she was never happy unless busy
about her own or other people's affairs, made inquiries as to the future
plans of the young couple.

Agatha could give no answer, for, to her great thankfulness, her husband
had hitherto avoided the subject. She looked at him for a reply.

"I think, Mrs. Thornycroft, it will probably be three months before
I"--he smilingly corrected himself, and said "_we_ return to Canada."

"Then what do you intend to do meanwhile? Of course, Agatha dear, you
will remain in London?"

"Oh yes," she replied, accustomed to decide for herself, and forgetting
at the moment that there was now another to whose decision she was bound
to defer. Blushing, she looked towards her husband, who was talking to
Mr. Thornycroft. He turned, as indeed he always did when he heard her
speaking; but he made no remark, and the "Yes" passed as their mutual
assent to Emma's question.

"I know a place that would just suit you," pursued the latter; "that is,
if you take a furnished house."

"I should like it much."

"It is but a cottage--rather small, considering your means; by-the-by,
Agatha, how close our friend the Major kept all your affairs. No one
imagined you were so rich."

"Neither did I, most certainly. But--the cottage."

"The prettiest little place imaginable. Such a love of a drawing-room!
I went there to call on young Northen's sister when she married, last
year. Poor thing--sad affair that, my dear."

"Indeed," said Agatha,