It's all right! I have spoken to him and he means to give in. Be as
kind and patient as possible, for he _does_ feel it, poor old man, and
he is very fond and proud of you!"

"Humph!" said Rex shortly. He knitted his brows and looked anxiously at
the girl's face. "You are awfully white! Don't cry any more, Norah,
for pity's sake. We are not worth it, either Lettice or I." Then he
was off, and Raymond turned to his sister with a long, lazy yawn.

"Well, and so Rex is bound for India! He has just been telling me about
it. Lucky beggar! When I take my degree I mean to ask father to let me
travel for a year or two before settling down to work."

"Oh, dear, dear!" sighed Norah to herself, "what a stirring up of the
poor old nest! There will be no eagles left if this sort of thing goes
on much longer. And we were so happy! Why, oh, why did I ever wish for
a change?"

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

LETTICE AT HOME.

Lettice's annual summer visit was postponed this year until the middle
of August, for Arthur Newcome had gained his point, as Mr Bertrand had
prophesied, and the wedding was arranged to take place at the end of
September. Mr Bertrand had done his best to gain more time, but it was
difficult to fight against a man who was so quiet, so composed, and so
immovably determined as Arthur Newcome. He listened to what was said
with the utmost politeness, and replied to all argument with the
statement that he was twenty-eight, that he was in a good position, and
saw no reason for waiting indefinitely. After this performance had been
enacted four or five times, Mr Bertrand's patience gave way, and he
declared that he was powerless to stand out any longer, and that perhaps
it was a good thing to get the wedding over, since if he had much to do
with Arthur Newcome, he should certainly collapse, and fall into a
nervous decline.

"His very presence oppresses me. It is all I can do not to yawn in his
face when he is telling those long-winded yarns. Poor little Lettice!
I wonder what sort of conversation he treats her to when they are alone.
I thought she looked very tired yesterday at dinner. Get her all the
pretty things she wants for this _trousseau_, Helen. I must do what I
can for the poor child, for I fear she has a dull time before her."

Miss Carr sighed, and shook her head. As time went on she was more and
more distressed about her ward's engagement, for now that his time of
suspense was over, Arthu