s consented to it, and
that it is quite fixed, I am sure that it is better that he should
know it. We shall always look upon him as a very dear friend--if he
will allow us."

Then it was necessary that Peregrine should speak, which he did as
follows, holding Madeline's hand for the first three or four seconds
of the time:--"Miss Staveley, I will say this of myself, that if ever
a fellow loved a girl truly, I loved you;--and I do so now as well or
better than ever. It is no good my pretending to be contented, and
all that sort of thing. I am not contented, but very unhappy. I have
never wished for but one thing in my life; and for that I would have
given all that I have in the world. I know that I cannot have it, and
that I am not fit to have it."

"Oh, Mr. Orme, it is not that."

"But it is that. I knew you before Graham did, and loved you quite
as soon. I believe--though of course I don't mean to ask any
questions--but I believe I told you so before he ever did."

"Marriages, they say, are planned in heaven," said Lady Staveley.

"Perhaps they are. I only wish this one had not been planned there.
I cannot help it,--I cannot express my satisfaction, though I will
heartily wish for your happiness. I knew from the first how it would
be, and was always sure that I was a fool to love you. I should have
gone away when I first thought of it, for I used to feel that you
never cared to speak to me."

"Oh, indeed I did," said poor Madeline.

"No, you did not. And why should you when I had nothing to say for
myself? I ought to have fallen in love with some foolish chit with as
little wit about her as I have myself."

"I hope you will fall in love with some very nice girl," said Lady
Staveley; "and that we shall know her and love her very much."

"Oh, I dare say I shall marry some day. I feel now as though I should
like to break my neck, but I don't suppose I shall. Good-bye, Lady
Staveley."

"Good-bye, Mr. Orme; and may God send that you may be happy."

"Good-bye, Madeline. I shall never call you so again,--except to
myself. I do wish you may be happy,--I do indeed. As for him,--he has
been before me, and taken away all that I wanted to win."

By this time the tears were in his eyes, and his voice was not free
from their effect. Of this he was aware, and therefore, pressing her
hand, he turned upon his heel and abruptly left the room. He had been
unable to say that he wished also that Felix might be happy; but this