wrapped up in each other. It is hardly fair.'

Again Audrey was forming a hasty judgment.

'The country is not very pretty, is it?' asked Cyril at this moment, and
she woke up from her reverie.

'It is a little flat, but it has its good points; it is a splendid
hunting country, as you know. Oh yes, I think it pretty. There are nice
walks. I am very partial to the grass lanes we have about here. In fine
weather they are delicious.'

'And you are a good walker?'

'Oh yes. I am strong, and there is nothing I enjoy so much. One is such
splendid company for one's self. Leo and I used to have such
expeditions! Leo was a St. Bernard puppy, only he died three weeks ago
of distemper. I cannot bear to speak of him yet. He was my playfellow,
and so handsome and intelligent! My cousin, Captain Burnett, has
promised to find me another dog. He has a Dachs-hund himself--such a
loving, faithful little creature. He is obliged to take Booty wherever
he goes, or the poor thing would fret himself to skin and bone. Is that
retriever your special property?' and Audrey looked at Cyril as she
spoke.

'No; he belongs to Kester,' he returned carelessly. Then, with a quick
change of tone: 'Are you tired, old fellow? Would you like me to help
you indoors?' and, as Kester languidly assented, he picked up his
crutches, and taking possession of one, substituted his arm, while
Mollie ran before them with a couple of cushions.

Mrs. Blake looked after them, and a cloud came over her face.

'Is it not sad?' she said, in a melancholy tone. 'That poor boy--he will
be a drag on Cyril all his life. He will never be able to gain his own
living. He is fifteen now.'

'It was the result of an accident, was it not?'

But Audrey regretted her abrupt question, as a troubled expression came
into the mother's eyes.

'Who told you that?' she asked impatiently. 'Of course it was Mollie.
She is a sad chatterbox. And I suppose she mentioned, too, that it was
Cyril's fault?'

'Indeed it was not Mollie,' returned Audrey eagerly. 'Kester spoke of it
himself. He did not enter into particulars. He just said his brother had
let him fall when he was a child.'

'Yes, it was a sad business,' with a sigh. 'I wonder if anyone has ever
had so many troubles as I have. Life has been one long struggle to me,
Miss Ross. But for Cyril I should have succumbed again and again. No
widowed mother has ever been more blessed in a son;' then, dropping her
voice: 'Please do no