as good as ever it was."

The sharp contradictory ending of his speech, the colour rising to the
old man's cheek and forehead, whence it did not sink, but lay steadily,
a heavy, purple blotch, attracted Agatha's notice--certainly more than
Mr. Grimes did.

"I had the honour, Mrs. Harper," said the latter, bowing, "to be present
when your marriage settlement was signed. I had likewise the honour of
preparing the deed, by the wish and according to the express orders of
Major Har"--

"That is sufficient," interrupted the Squire. "Sir, I never burden
ladies with the wearisomeness of legal discussion.--Did you drive or
ride here, Agatha?"

"If you remember, you sent the carriage for me."

"Yes, yes--of course," returned the old man. "It was a pleasant drive,
was it? Your husband enjoyed it too?"

"My husband is in Cornwall"

"Certainly. I understand."

Which was more than Agatha did. She could not make him out at all. The
wandering eye, dulled with more than mere age--for it had been his pride
that the Harper eye always sparkled to the last; the accidental twitches
about the mouth, which hung loosely, and seemed unable to control its
muscles; above all, the extraordinary and sudden lapse of a memory
which had hitherto been wonderful for his years. There was something not
right, some hidden wheel broken or locked in the mysterious mechanism
that we call human life.

Agatha felt uneasy. She wished Nathanael had been at home: and began to
consider whether some one--not herself--ought not to write and hint that
his father did not seem quite well.

Meanwhile, she closely watched the old man, who seemed this day to show
her more kindness and attention than ever,--there was no mistaking that.
He kept her constantly at his side, talking to her with marked courtesy.
Once she saw his eyes--those poor, dull, restless eyes, fixed on her
with an expression that was quite unaccountable. Going in to dinner, his
step, which began measured and stately, suddenly tottered. Agatha caught
his arm.

"You are not well--I am sure of it."

"Indeed!" said Mr. Grimes, who was following close behind, with the very
reluctant Miss Mary towering over his petty head. "No wonder that Mr.
Harper is not quite well to-day."

The Squire swerved aside, like an old steed goaded by the whip, then
rose to his full height, which was taller than either of his sons--the
Harpers of ancient time were a lofty generation.

"Mr. Grimes, I assure you I a