It seems to me as though I ought
to feel the same, as though there were something wanting in me. I
sometimes fancy I am different from other girls.'

'Do not compare yourself with other people,' he returned quickly, for he
could not bear her to look troubled for a moment. This mood was new to
him, and he had never seen a shade on her bright face before. 'You have
a calm temperament--that is your great charm--you are not subject to the
cold and hot fits of ordinary mortals. It is my own fault that I cannot
be happy without you; but I do not expect you to share my restlessness.'

'Ah, that is right,' she replied, very much relieved by this. 'You are
always so nice at understanding things, Cyril. Do you know, I was
blaming myself for feeling so comfortable in your absence. But I was so
busy--I had so many things to interest me; and, then, I had Michael.'

The young man flushed slightly, but he had learnt to repress himself: he
knew, far better than she did, that his love was infinitely greater than
hers. But what of that? She was a woman made to be worshipped. It never
troubled him when she talked of Michael--Cyril's nature was too noble
for jealousy--but just for the moment her frankness jarred on him.

'I think I was nearly as happy as usual,' she went on, determined to
tell the truth; 'and yet, by your own account, you were perfectly
miserable.'

'But that was my own fault,' he returned lightly. 'Men are unreasonable
creatures; they are not patient like women. It is true that I have no
life apart from you now, and that I always want to be near you; but I do
not expect you to feel the same.'

Audrey looked at him thoughtfully; he gave her so much, and yet he
seemed to demand so little.

'You are very good to me, Cyril,' she said, in a low voice. 'I never
thought you would understand me so thoroughly. You leave me so free, and
you make me so happy. I wonder where you have learnt to be so wise.'

'My love for you has taught me many things,' he answered. 'Do I really
make you happy, sweetheart?'

But the look in her eyes was sufficient answer. This was his reward--to
see her perfect content and trust in him, and to bask in her sweet looks
and smiles.

CHAPTER XXIX

TWO FAMILY EVENTS

'A solemn thing it is to me
To look upon a babe that sleeps,
Wearing in its spirit deeps
The undeveloped mystery
Of our Adam's taint and woe;
Which, when they developed be,
Will not le