motion. A transparent purple shade beneath the blue eyes
betrayed that she had been weeping; but she was calmed by John's
strong and tranquil presence. The shady room was cool and fragrant
with the scent of heliotrope and mignonette.

The band had reached a level plateau below the terrace garden, and was
playing martial airs to encourage stragglers in the procession, and to
give the principal inhabitants of Youlestone time to arrive, and to
regain their wind after the steep ascent.

Every time a batch of new arrivals recognized Peter's tall form on the
terrace, a fresh burst of cheering rose.

From all sides of the valley, hurrying figures could be seen
approaching Barracombe House.

The noise and confusion without seemed to increase the sense of quiet
within, and the sounds of the gathering crowd made them feel apart and
alone together as they had never felt before.

"So all our dreams are to be shattered," said John, quietly, "because
your prayer has been granted, and Peter has come home?"

"If you could have heard all he said," she whispered sadly. "He has
come home loving me, trusting me, dependent on me, as he has never
been before, since his babyhood. Don't you see--that even if it breaks
my heart, I couldn't fail my boy--just now?"

There was a pause, and she regarded him anxiously; her hands were
clasped tightly together in the effort to still their trembling, her
blue eyes looked imploring.

John knew very well that it lay within his powers to make good his
claim upon that gentle heart, and enforce his will and her submission
to it. But the strongest natures are those which least incline to
tyranny; and he had already seen the results of coercion upon that
bright and joyous, but timid nature. He knew that her love for him was
of the fanciful, romantic, high-flown order; and as such, it appealed
to every chivalrous instinct within him. Though his love for her was,
perhaps, of a different kind, he desired her happiness and her peace
of mind, as strongly as he desired her companionship and the sympathy
which was to brighten his lonely life. He was silent for a moment,
considering how he should act. If love counselled haste, common sense
suggested patience.

"I couldn't disappoint him now. You see that, John?" said the anxious,
gentle voice.

"I am afraid I do see it, Mary," he said. "Our secret must remain our
secret for the present."

"God bless you, John!" said Lady Mary, softly. "You always
under