Agatha!"

"Nay, _rich_ Agatha," was the murmur that Nathanael heard, as two little
hands came from behind and alit on his shoulders, like two soft white
doves. He caught them, and rose contented, cheerful and brave.

"No, Frederick, you must dismiss that idea. It is untenable, at least
for a long time. My wife and I are going to play at poverty." He smiled,
and drew her nearer to him.

"Besides," said Miss Valery, putting in her quiet voice, to which every
one always listened now, "I think there are perhaps stronger claims than
Agatha's on Major Harper."

"Indeed? Anne, tell me what I can do. Anything," he added, much moved,
"so that my old friends may think well of me. Speak!"

She did so, raising herself, though with some exertion, and re-assuming
the sensible, straightforward, business-like ways which through her long
life of solitary independence had caused Anne Valery to be often called,
as Duke Dugdale called her, "such a wise woman!"

"I should like very much to see all things settled in the Harper family.
Your sisters are provided for; Eulalie will be married next year; and
you will keep Mary and Elizabeth always with you at Kingcombe Holm.
Promise that, Frederick."

He assented most energetically.

"There is no need to fear for these," looking affectionately at
Nathanael and his wife. "Work is good for young people; and I--or
others--will always see that they have work enough supplied to bring in
wherewithal to keep the wolf from their door. For the present, they are
a great deal better poor than rich."

"Thank you, prudent Miss Valery," said Nathanael laughing.

She responded cheerfully, and then turning to Major Harper, went on with
seriousness:

"In other instances, much suffering has been caused by your means; and
I would not have it said that any suffered through the Harper family.
I have done what I could to prevent this. Matters are mending at Wheal
Caroline. Nathanael tells me I shall have--that is, there will be--a
fine flax-harvest there next year."

Speaking of "next year," Anne's voice faltered, but the momentary
feebleness passed.

"Still, there is one thing, Frederick, which nobody can do but you; and
it is necessary not only to save yourself but to redeem the honour of
your house. It will not cost you much--only a few years' retrenchment,
living with your sisters at Kingcombe Holm."

Again Major Harper protested there was nothing in the world he would not
do for the sake of virt