up all those hours with Bertie! His last day, too, and the
first of their happiness!

In utter consternation, Cecil cast a most imploring glance at her father;
but he, appearing not to see it, continued nonchalantly,--

"It is a long, dull drive, and I shall really be glad of your company."

Du Meresq ground his heel into the gravel with vexation, and Mrs.
Rolleston attempted a feeble remonstrance. "The children will be
disappointed if Cecil goes away,"--which sentiment they eagerly
chorussed.

"Well, you must spare her to-day," said their father, "for I want her
too. It will be much better for Cecil to take a quiet drive after her
exposure yesterday, than to grill on those islands all day."

It was quite evident opposition would be useless. In sullen resignation
she entered a boat with the Colonel, and, taking the rudder lines,
steered a course away from Long Island, which the picnic party were now
making for. She had seen Bertie standing angry and irresolute, and,
apparently, not going; and then he must have changed his mind, for as
they were just pulling off, he stepped into the vacant place of a boat
containing Mrs. Rolleston, Freddy and Bluebell. Not for a moment was
she deceived as to the Colonel's motive in causing her to forego her
day's amusement. It was not her society that he wanted--it was to
separate her from Du Meresq; and who could tell that he might not intend
to bring her back too late to see him before he went?

This she determined to resist to the utmost. She did not feel as if
she could endure the suspense, if Du Meresq lost this opportunity of
speaking, however doubtful might be the result.

Revolving the difficulties in her path only made Cecil more resolute. She
would never give Bertie up, neither would she wait to grow prematurely
old with the sickness of hope deferred.

If her father refused consent, would a long secret engagement, promising
to remain faithful to each other, be their only resource? Cecil smiled at
the idea. She did not forget she was an heiress and of age. Love is for
the young, and she was far too proud to meditate bestowing herself upon
Bertie when years should have quenched hope and spirit, and stealthily
abstracted every charm of youth. And as to him? Well, his antecedents had
certainly given no promise of the long suffering fidelity of a Jacob.

Colonel Rolleston was pretty well aware of what was passing in his
daughter's mind, for his eyes were now fully opened;