ech, which Gwen broke at last, and
her tone was haughtiness itself.

'As you have met with such success in your visit here, Cousin James,
you could at least afford to be generous towards us. You have one
mercy to be thankful for, and that is, that we never have, and never
shall, look to you to maintain us!'

And then she left the room, shutting the door behind her with a rather
ungentle hand. Mr. Dane smiled, passed his cup to be refilled, and
then turned to Clare.

'I suppose your marriage will be hastened now, will it not? When is
the happy day to be?'

'I will let you know when it is settled,' was the quiet reply.

'Come upstairs with me, Clare, and see Nannie,' said Elfie impetuously;
'I haven't been near her yet, dear old thing!'

The two girls quitted the room together, and with a little sigh Agatha
settled herself down to a _tete-a-tete_ with her cousin.

'You girls have all assumed such aggressive demeanours towards me, that
I really hardly know if you will take any advice from me. It is
exceedingly foolish to adopt such airs. No doubt you are disappointed
in not being the sole heiresses of our aunt, but you ought not to have
expected it for a moment. She had for a long time regretted making
that rash will, which was drawn up when her heart was full of pity for
your penniless condition. Only, being in such robust health, she
always put off doing it until this last sad illness of hers. Where do
you think of settling?'

'We have not made up our minds.'

'Have you heard from your brother lately? Is he doing better than he
was? It is such a mistake for a young fellow to think he will make his
fortune in the Colonies nowadays. I only hope you may not find him
thrown on your hands soon.'

'Walter is doing very well, thank you. There is no chance of his
coming back to England for a good long time.'

'I have been wondering whether you would like to settle somewhere near
London. I have some house property at Hampstead, and could let you
have a small villa there at a very reasonable rent. Of course,
understand, this is entirely because I should like to give you any help
that I can.'

At this Agatha could not help smiling.

'It is very kind of you, but we have decided to live in the country.'

'I am surprised. Have you ever tried a country life in the winter? I
am afraid you will find it a great failure. And, remember, unprotected
females, choosing an isolated position, run the risk of be