up and down trying in vain to talk upon outside
topics, and coming back again and again to the same painful theme. At
last the sound of wheels came to their ears again. The fly could be
seen wending its way down the country lane, and Hilary lost no time in
running home to rejoin her father in his study.

He was standing with his arms resting upon the mantelpiece, his head
buried in his hands, and when he turned to meet her, it struck the girl
with a stab of pain that for the first time he looked old--an old man,
tired and worn with the battle of life.

"Well?" she gasped; and he answered with a long-drawn sigh.

"Well--it is over! The most painful scene I have ever gone through in
my life. He wouldn't believe me, poor fellow! Then Lettice came in.
He looked at her, and--the light died out of his face. It was very
pitiful. He was brave and manly; would not blame her, or hear her
blamed. I admired him more than I could have believed possible. He
said very little. Stricken to the heart, poor fellow, and I could do
nothing for him! He has gone back to town to stop preparations. I
would have given my right hand to help him."

"Father dear! You look so ill! It has been too much strain. What can
I do for you now? Let me do something!"

"Send in Rayner to have a smoke with me. How thankful I am that he is
here. He is a comfort and strength to us all!"

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

THE SUNNY CLIMES.

The sun was shining over the lake of Thun, and the little steamer was
puffing cheerily through the water. Behind lay the picturesque town,
with its rushing river, and quaint, old-world buildings; in front lay--
ah! what a scene of beauty and grandeur! Surely, it were worth while to
travel from the ends of the earth to see this marvellous sight. The
blue waters, fringed with brilliant foliage; the trees in their autumn
glory, the rowan-berries making patches of scarlet here and there, the
solemn pines capping the mountain height, and at the head of the lake--
beautiful, dazzling, majestic--the snow-clad range of Eiger, Monck, and
Jungfrau.

In all the beautiful world there can be few spots so beautiful as the
lake of Thun, as seen upon a glorious September afternoon!

The passengers on board the steamer displayed a special interest in an
English party who walked up and down the deck. A father and three
daughters; an elderly lady whose relationship it was difficult to guess,
and a young man with a clever