e! We
must wait till he is gone.'

Swithin thereupon went out again, and told the young man that the cut on
her face was not serious, but that she could not see him; after which
they parted. St. Cleeve then heard him ask for a ticket for Warborne,
which confirmed Lady Constantine's view that he was going on to her
house. When the branch train had moved off Swithin returned to his
bride, who waited in a trembling state within.

On being informed that he had departed she showed herself much relieved.

'Where does your brother come from?' said Swithin.

'From London, immediately. Rio before that. He has a friend or two in
this neighbourhood, and visits here occasionally. I have seldom or never
spoken to you of him, because of his long absence.'

'Is he going to settle near you?'

'No, nor anywhere, I fear. He is, or rather was, in the diplomatic
service. He was first a clerk in the Foreign Office, and was afterwards
appointed attache at Rio Janeiro. But he has resigned the appointment. I
wish he had not.'

Swithin asked why he resigned.

'He complained of the banishment, and the climate, and everything that
people complain of who are determined to be dissatisfied,--though, poor
fellow, there is some ground for his complaints. Perhaps some people
would say that he is idle. But he is scarcely that; he is rather
restless than idle, so that he never persists in anything. Yet if a
subject takes his fancy he will follow it up with exemplary patience till
something diverts him.'

'He is not kind to you, is he, dearest?'

'Why do you think that?'

'Your manner seems to say so.'

'Well, he may not always be kind. But look at my face; does the mark
show?'

A streak, straight as a meridian, was visible down her cheek. The blood
had been brought almost to the surface, but was not quite through, that
which had originally appeared thereon having possibly come from the
horse. It signified that to-morrow the red line would be a black one.

Swithin informed her that her brother had taken a ticket for Warborne,
and she at once perceived that he was going on to visit her at Welland,
though from his letter she had not expected him so soon by a few days.
'Meanwhile,' continued Swithin, 'you can now get home only by the late
train, having missed that one.'

'But, Swithin, don't you see my new trouble? If I go to Welland House to-
night, and find my brother just arrived there, and he sees this cut on my
face,