to make idle jests, when all the time we are both of
us very much in earnest."

"That is true!" And he sighed, though within himself, as though he did
not wish her to hear it. "Agatha, come over to me." He held out both his
hands; she came, and placed herself beside him, all her jesting subdued.
She even trembled, at the expectation of something painful or sorrowful
to be told. But her husband said nothing--except to ask if she would
like to go anywhere this evening.

Agatha felt annoyed. "Why do you put me off in this manner, when I know
you have something on your mind?"

"Have I?" he said, half mournfully.

"Then tell it to me."

"Nay. I always thought it was wisest, kindest, for a man to bear the
burden of his own cares."

Nathanael had spoken in his most gentle tone, and slowly, as if impelled
to what he said by hard necessity. He was not prepared to see the sudden
childish burst of astonishment, anger, and resistance.

"From this, I understand, what you might as well have said plainly, that
I am not to inquire what passed between you and your brother?"

He moved his head in assent, and then sunk it on his left hand, holding
out the other to his wife, as though talking were impossible to him, and
all he wished were silence and peace. Agatha was too angry for either.

"But if I do not choose at nineteen to be treated like a mere child--if
I ask, nay, _insist_"--She hesitated, lest the last word might have
irritated him too far. Vague fears concerning the full meaning of the
word "obey" in the marriage service rushed into her mind.

Nathanael sat motionless, his fingers pressed upon his eyelids. This
silence was worse than any words.

"Mr. Harper!"

"I hear." And the grave, sad eyes--and without any displeasure--were
turned upon her. Agatha felt a sting of conscience.

"I did not mean to speak rudely to my husband; but I had my own reasons
for inquiring about Major Harper, from something Emma said to-day."

"What was that?"

"How eager you look! Nay, I can keep a secret too. But no, I will not."
And the generous impulse burst out, even accompanied by a few childish
tears and childish blushes. "She told me he had probably lost money. I
wished to say that if such a trifle made him unhappy he might take as
much as he liked of mine. That was all!"

Her husband regarded her with mingled emotions, which at last all melted
into one--deep tenderness. "And you would do this, even for him? Thank
God! I neve