ce. His approaching interview
with Dick Peet weighed upon his mind; other details connected with it
must be settled--some decision arrived at. He was glad, therefore, when
the carriage came round, and he and Estelle drove away from the amiable,
but inquisitive, crowd.

As they passed through the deep lanes, and over the wide common, where
the gorse was in full bloom, then under the trees of the wood, Estelle's
thoughts were with Aunt Betty, whom she was to see so soon; or with
Dick, and the wonderful surprise she was bringing him. Now and then she
took a furtive glance at Jack, and wished the happiness of the one did
not mean the unhappiness of the other.

On reaching the Bridge House, she begged that they might get out there,
instead of driving up to the house. Without a word Jack sprang down,
and, lifting her out, paid and dismissed the carriage. Estelle had run
forward as he was doing this, but now returned to his side, saying--

'Shall it be first or last, Jack?'

Standing quite still a moment, his eyes on the blue sky and the fleecy
clouds, he braced himself for an interview which must be full of pain.
He looked very pale, but there was a set expression about his mouth and
jaw which spoke volumes.

'As you please, Missie. Though there is no last that I know of.'

Gazing at him earnestly, she wondered of what he was thinking, and how
she could soften this first meeting. Her first impulse was to run
straight to dear Aunt Betty and her father. But she felt it her duty to
see Dick while the interview had the chance of being quite a private
one; it would be more difficult to secure secrecy if the fact of her
return were known. She was sure Aunt Betty would say that whatever the
sacrifice was to her, she ought to make it.

'Dick is quite alone,' she said, at last. 'I don't know when we shall
find him so again. Isn't it better not to put it off?'

Without a moment's hesitation, Jack turned and followed her, though he
could not have spoken to save his life. Fortunately, they reached the
gate and went up to the Bridge House porch unperceived. Sitting in his
armchair, as usual, was Dick, resting after his morning's outing in a
wheel-chair. Comfortably happy and half asleep he looked, as Estelle put
her hand upon his, saying--

'Dick!' in her soft voice.

Startled and bewildered, he gazed at her for some moments before
recognition came into his eyes; then a bright smile spread over his
face, and he grasped the lit