her heart just then was
wholly begotten of the past and her departure from home. Deep unrest
came upon her as she walked with her husband and listened to his glad
voice. She longed greatly to be alone with him that her heart might be
relieved. She wanted his arms round her; she wanted to cry and let him
kiss the tears away.

Damaris Blanchard very fully understood much that was passing through
her daugher-in-law's mind, and she hastened her departure after an early
cup of tea. She took a last look at all the good things she had provided
for the wedding supper--a meal she declared must not be shared with Will
and Phoebe--and so made ready to depart. It was then her turn, and her
bosom throbbed with just one dumb, fleeting shadow of fear that found
words before her second thought had time to suppress them.

"You won't love me no less, eh, Will?" she whispered, holding his hand
between hers; and he saw her grey eyes almost frightened in the
gloaming.

"My God, no! No, mother; a man must have a dirty li'l heart in un if it
ban't big enough to hold mother an' wife."

She gripped his hand tighter.

"Ess fay, I knaw, I knaw; but doan't 'e put your mother first
now,--ban't nature. God bless an' keep the both of 'e. 'Twill allus be
my prayer."

The cart rattled away, Chris driving, and such silence as Phoebe had
never known held the darkening land. She noted a yellow star against the
sombre ridge of the world, felt Will's arm round her and turned to him,
seeking that comfort and support her nature cried out for.

Infinitely tender and loving was her husband then, and jubilant, too, at
first; but a little later, when Chown had been packed off to his own
apartment, with not a few delicacies he had never bargained for, the
conversation flagged and the banquet also.

The table was laden with two capons, a ham, a great sugared cake, a
whole Dutch cheese, an old-fashioned cut-glass decanter containing brown
sherry, and two green wine-glasses for its reception; yet these luxuries
tempted neither husband nor wife to much enjoyment of them. Indeed
Phoebe's obvious lowness of spirits presently found its echo in Will.
The silences grew longer and longer; then the husband set down his knife
and fork, and leaving the head of the table went round to his wife's
side and took her hand and squeezed it, but did not speak. She turned to
him and he saw her shut her eyes and give a little shiver. Then a tear
flashed upon her lashes and tw