! And I am so glad this happened tonight of
all nights!"

He stroked her hair caressingly, but did not speak.

CHAPTER XXIV. The New Relations

For all men live and judge amiss
Whose talents jump not just with his. Hudibras

Comfortable moles, whom what they do
Teaches the limit of the just and true.
(And for such doing they require not eyes). Matthew Arnold

One bright afternoon about a week after this, Erica found herself
actually in the train, and on her way to Greyshot. At first she had
disliked the idea, but her father had evidently wished her to accept
the invitation, and a hope of uniting again the two families would have
stimulated her to a much more formidable undertaking than a visit of a
few weeks to perfect strangers. She knew nothing of the proposal made to
her father; her own letter had been most kind, and after all, though she
did not like the actual leaving home, she could not but look forward to
a rest and change after the long summer months in town. Moreover, Aunt
Jean had just returned, after a brief holiday, and the home atmosphere
for the last two or three days had been very trying; she felt as if
a change would make her better able to bear the small daily frets and
annoyances, and not unnaturally looked forward to the delicious rest of
unity. A Christian home ought to be delightful; she had never stayed in
one, and had a high ideal.

It was about six o'clock by the time she reached her journey's end, and,
waiting for her on the platform, she had no difficulty in recognizing
her aunt, a taller and fairer edition of Mrs. Craigie, who received her
with a kind, nervous diffident greeting, and seemed very anxious indeed
about her luggage, which was speedily brought to light by the
footman, and safely conveyed to the carriage. Erica, used to complete
independence, felt as if she were being transformed into a sort of
grown-up baby, as she was relieved of her bag and umbrella and guided
down the steps, and assisted into the open landau, and carefully tucked
in with a carriage rug.

"I hope you are not overtired with the journey?" inquired her aunt with
an air of the kindest and most anxious solicitude.

Accustomed to a really hard life in London, Erica almost laughed at the
idea of being overtired by such a short journey.

"Oh, I have enjoyed it, thank you," she replied. "What a lovely line it
is!"

"Is it?" said her aunt, a little surprised. "I didn't know it wa