ntle Ethelrida had none of the attitude of the modern bride.

And thus it was arranged. The middle-aged, but boyishly-in-love, fiance
was to tackle his future father-in-law in the morning's light; and
to-night, let the household sleep in peace!

So, after a blissful interlude, as he saw in spite of the joy they found
together, his Ethelrida was still slightly nervous of Lady Anningford's
entrance, he got up to say good night, as alas! this would probably be
the last chance they would have alone before he left.

"And you will not make me wait too long, my darling," he implored, "will
you? You see, every moment away from you, will now be wasted. I do not
know how I have borne all these years alone!"

And she promised everything he wished, for Francis Markrute, at
forty-six, had far more allurements than an impetuous young lover. Not a
tenderness, a subtlety of flattery and homage, those things so dear to a
woman's heart, were forgotten by him. He really worshiped Ethelrida and
his fashion of showing his feeling was in all ways to think first of
what she would wish; which proved that if her attitude were unmodern, as
far as women were concerned, his was even more so, among men!

Tristram had gone out for another walk alone, after the Crow had left
him. He wanted to realize the details of the coming week, and settle
with himself how best to get through with them.

He and Zara were to start in their own motor at about eleven for Wrayth,
which was only forty miles across the border into Suffolk. They would
reach it inside of two hours easily, and arrive at the first triumphal
arch of the park before one; and so go on through the shouting
villagers to the house, where in the great banqueting hall, which still
remained, a relic of Henry IV's time, joined on to the Norman keep, they
would have to assist at a great luncheon to the principal tenants, while
the lesser fry feasted in a huge tent in the outer courtyard.

Here, endless speeches would have to be made and listened to, and joy
simulated, and a general air of hilarity kept up; and the old
housekeeper would have prepared the large rooms in the Adam wing for
their reception; and they would not be free to separate, until late at
night, for there would be the servants' and employes' ball, after a
tete-a-tete dinner in state, where their every action would be watched
and commented upon by many curious eyes. Yes, it was a terrible ordeal
to go through, under the circumsta