The weather continued so warm and sunny that Mr Bertrand and his party
lingered in Thun, day after day, enjoying the Indian summer, and loath
to tear themselves away from the lovely surroundings. Lettice remained
silent and subdued, but there was no longer any coldness between her and
her companions, and her face had lost the strained, despairing
expression which had been so painful to behold. The news from London,
moreover, was as satisfactory as could be hoped for under the
circumstances. A friend of Arthur Newcome's, who was also engaged to be
married, had come forward and offered to take the house and furniture at
a valuation, while his father had recalled his business manager in
America and was sending Arthur to take his place for the next two or
three years. Everyone felt that the change would be the best cure which
the poor fellow could have, while it was an immense relief to know that
there would be no danger of painful encounters in London. Even with
this dread removed, Mr Bertrand was in ten minds about his plans for
the coming winter. There seemed many reasons why it would be better to
remain quietly in Westmoreland for another year. He puzzled over the
question in private, and finally confided his difficulty to Mr Rayner,
with startling and unexpected results.

"You see, the boys could go on as they are for some time to come; Norah
is not over anxious for the change, and I cannot say I am willing to let
Lettice go much into society just now. She is so very lovely that she
is bound to attract attention, and after this painful business it would
be in better taste to keep out of the way until it is forgotten. All
things considered, I think I should be wise to give up the idea of
coming to town until next winter."

Mr Rayner's face had clouded over while his friend was speaking, and
his answer came in dry, irritated tones.

"When you say, `all things considered,' you forget, of course, that you
have entirely overlooked Miss Hilary's feelings in the matter. As your
eldest daughter, I should have thought that her wishes might have been
consulted; but it appears that all the others are put before her!"

"Hallo, what's this? And pray when did you constitute yourself Hilary's
champion?" cried Mr Bertrand, turning round in his seat with a laugh,
and an amused expression on his face, which gave place to one of
blankest astonishment as he met the flash in his companion's eyes, and
heard the firm tone of th