to grandmamma's, and then I can settle everything for you to-morrow
morning."

"You are very kind, but"--

"Oh, perhaps you would rather see the house yourself! Quite right. Of
course you will take it!"

"I fear not."

Agatha, as well as Mrs. Thornycroft, was so utterly astonished, that
neither of them could make any observation. To give up the house, and
all her dear home-visions! She was aghast at the idea.

"Bless me, what does your husband mean? Mr. Harper, what possible
objection?"------

"None, except we have changed our plans. It is quite uncertain how long
we may stay at Kingcombe Holm, or where we may go from thence."

"Not to America, surely? You would not break your word to poor dear
Agatha?"

"I never break my word."

"Well, Mr. Harper, I declare I can't understand you," cried Emma,
sharply. "I only hope that Agatha does. Is all this with your knowledge
and consent, my poor child?"

She said this, eyeing the husband with doubt and the wife with
curiosity, as if disposed to put herself in the breach between the two,
if breach there were.

Agatha heard Nathanael's quick breathing--caught her friend's look of
patronising compassion. Something of the dignity of marriage, the shame
lest any third party should share or even witness aught that passes
between those two who have now become one--awoke in the young girl's
spirit. The feeling was partly pride, yet mingled with something far
holier.

She put Emma gently aside.

"Whatever my husband's decision may be, I am quite satisfied therewith."

Mrs. Thornycroft was mute with amazement However, she was too
good-natured to be really angry. "Certainly, you are the most
extraordinary, incomprehensible young couple! But I can't stay to
discuss the matter. Agatha, I shall see you to-morrow?"

"Yes; I will bring her to you to-morrow," said Mr. Harper, cheerfully,
as their visitor departed.

The husband and wife regarded one another in silence. At last he said,
taking her hand:

"I owe you thanks, Agatha, for"--

"For doing my duty. I hope I shall never forget that."

At the word "duty," so coldly uttered, Mr. Harper had let her hand fall
He stood motionless, leaning against the marble chimney-piece, his face
as white as the marble itself, and, in Agatha's fancy, as hard.

"Have you, then, quite decided against our taking the house?" she asked
at length.

"I find it will be impossible."

"Why so? But I forget; it is useless to ask _you_ quest