hink that that sacrament had been as nothing to Harry
Clavering. But nevertheless there was something wrong, and when she left
her father's house at Stratton, she was well aware that she must prepare
herself for tidings that might be evil. She could bear anything, she
thought, without disgracing herself; but there were tidings which might
send her back to Stratton a broken woman, fit perhaps to comfort the
declining years of her father and mother, but fit for nothing else.

Her mother watched her closely as she sat at her breakfast that morning,
but much could not be gained by watching Florence Burton when Florence
wished to conceal her thoughts. Many messages were sent to Theodore, to
Cecilia, and to the children, messages to others of the Burton clan who
were in town, but not a word was said of Harry Clavering. The very
absence of his name was enough to make them all wretched, but Florence
bore it as the Spartan boy bore the fox beneath his tunic. Mrs. Burton
could hardly keep herself from a burst of indignation; but she had been
strongly warned by her husband, and restrained herself till Florence was
gone. "If he is playing her false," said she, as soon as she was alone
with her old husband, "he shall suffer for it, though I have to tear his
face with my own fingers."

"Nonsense, my dear; nonsense."

"It is not nonsense, Mr. Burton. A gentleman, indeed! He is to be
allowed to be dishonest to my girl because he is a gentleman! I wish
there was no such thing as a gentleman;--so I do. Perhaps there would be
more honest men then." It was unendurable to her that a girl of hers
should be so treated.

Immediately on the arrival of the train at the London platform, Florence
espied Cecilia, and in a minute was in her arms. There was a special
tenderness in her sister-in-law's caress, which at once told Florence
that her fears had not been without cause. Who has not felt the evil
tidings conveyed by the exaggerated tenderness of a special kiss? But
while on the platform and among the porters she said nothing of herself.
She asked after Theodore and heard of the railway confederacy with a
show of delight. "He'd like to make a line from Hyde Park Corner to the
Tower of London," said Florence, with a smile. Then she asked after the
children, and specially for the baby; but as yet she spoke no word of
Harry Clavering. The trunk and the bag were at last found; and the two
ladies were packed into a cab, and had started. Cecilia,