rst time, whether Caffyn
had been deliberately misled or only mistaken in sending such a
delusive message. But that did not very much matter now, and he soon
abandoned speculation on the subject. He had much to be thankful for;
his future was free from all danger. He had had a severe lesson, and
he would profit by it; henceforth (with the one necessary reservation)
he would be honest and true--Mabel should never repent her trust in
him. 'Sweet Bells Jangled' would be before the world by the time they
returned, and after that he feared nothing. And so, though he was
subdued and silent on his return, there was no other trace in his
manner of what he had suffered during the last hour. He found Mabel by
the window of their sitting-room, looking out at the houses across
the river, which were now palely clear in the cold moonlight, their
lights extinguished, and only a pane glittering here and there in some
high dormer window, while the irregular wooden, galleries and hanging
outhouses were all thrown up vividly by the intense shadows.

'What a very long time you have been away!' she said; 'but I know
Vincent can be very pleasant and interesting if he likes.'

'Very,' said Mark, and gave her Holroyd's note.

'I leave here early to-morrow for Italy,' she read, 'and may not see
you again for some little time. I have told your husband my story,
but, on consideration, have thought it best to pledge him to tell no
one--not even you. But the man who injured me shall be safe for your
sake.'

'You _did_ persuade him, then!' she said, looking up gratefully to
Mark. 'Oh, I am glad! How good you are, and how well you must have
spoken, dear, to make him give up his idea of punishing the man! So
Vincent is going away at once. Do you know I am afraid I am rather
glad?'

And Mark made no answer; what was there to say?

* * * * *

Vincent stood there by the railings on the Laufenplatz for some time
after Mark had left him; he was feeling the reaction both in mind and
body from his recent conflict. 'How will it all end?' he asked himself
wearily. 'Can any good come from letting this deceit go on? Is he
strong enough to carry out his part? If not, the truth will only come
at last, and be even more cruel when it does come.' Yet he had done
what still seemed the obvious and only thing to do, if Mabel's
happiness was considered. He was ashamed even that he had not seen it
earlier, and trembled as he remembe