nough for you; that you ought to have someone who would be in every way
your superior, and to whom you could look up.'

'Yes, and it is such a blessing that I can look up to Cyril.'

'But he is so young; and though he is nice--yes, of course, he is very
nice and good-looking and clever--still one wants more in a husband.
Somehow I never realised these things until I was actually standing at
the altar with Percival and said those solemn words for myself: "For
better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health,
until death us do part." I felt then that if I had not been so sure of
Percival I would rather have died than have said those words.'

A faint shiver passed over Audrey as Geraldine spoke. She had never
heard her talk in this way before. 'Dear, dear Audrey,' she continued,
taking her sister's hand; 'can you wonder that I am anxious that you
should be as happy as I am, that it nearly breaks my heart to know that
you are taking this false step?'

A painful flush crossed Audrey's face. This was a worse ordeal than she
had expected. She had been prepared for reproaches, even for bitter
words; but this softness, this tearful and caressing gentleness, seemed
to deprive her of all strength, to cut away the ground from under her
feet. She was at once touched and grateful for her sister's forbearance.

'You are very good to me, Gage,' she said in a low voice; 'I know how
utterly I have disappointed you and Percival--and from a worldly point
of view I daresay you are both right. Cyril is poor, he has to work his
way up, he is not what people would call a good match; but then, you
know, I have always been terribly unpractical.'

'It is not only that,' sighed Geraldine; 'as far as Mr. Blake is
concerned, one cannot say much against him; he is very gentlemanly. I
suppose one would get used to him, though I shall never, never think him
good enough for you. But there are other objections: the idea that Mrs.
Blake will be your mother-in-law makes me utterly wretched.'

'Poor woman! she is so nice, and I am so fond of her. I often wonder why
you are so prejudiced against her, Gage; but of course it is all that
tiresome Mrs. Bryce.'

'No, indeed, it is not,' returned Mrs. Harcourt quickly. 'I do not want
to vex you, Audrey; things are miserable enough without our quarrelling,
and however unhappy you make me, I will never quarrel with my only
sister. But you must let me say this for once, that I cannot like Mrs