e shook--'you will let me go--you
will not make me stop when people begin to talk about it? I am no
coward, but there are some things too hard to put on any man; and to do
my work when I see on the boys' faces that they know everything--it
would be the death of me. I could not stand it--no, by heavens! I could
not.'

'You shall not be asked to bear it. My poor boy, have you no faith in
me? Do you think I should ask you to perform so cruel, so impossible a
duty? From this hour you are free, Cyril; do not trouble about your
work. I can find a substitute, or, if that fails, I will do your work
myself. You are ill--it will be no falsehood to say that--and in another
fortnight the school will break up. Keep quiet--go away somewhere for a
time, and take Burnett into your confidence; he will be a better friend
for you just now than I.'

'I doubt it, sir.'

Then the Doctor's eyes glistened with tears.

'God help you, my dear fellow! You are doing the right, and He will.
This is not good-bye; I will see you again. Now go to her, and teach my
child to do the right too.' And then Dr. Ross turned his back upon him
rather abruptly, and walked to the window.

CHAPTER XXXIX

'YOU WILL LIVE IT DOWN'

'Sweet the thought, our lives, my love.
Parted ne'er may be,
Though between thy heart and mine
Leagues of land and sea.

* * * * *

Of this twofold life and love,
Twofold running fate,
Sad and lone we may be oft,
Never desolate.'

BRITTON.

Cyril knew where he should find Audrey; she was generally in her own
little sitting-room until luncheon. Sometimes her mother or Mollie would
be with her, but this morning he felt instinctively that she would be
alone.

She was sitting by the window, and there was some work on her lap, but
she did not seem to be employing herself. She had bidden Cyril enter,
and directly she saw him she rose from her seat and crossed the room
somewhat quickly to meet him; but he did not at once speak to her,
neither did he offer his usual greeting.

She waited for a moment to see what he would do; then she put up her
face to him.

'Why do you not kiss me, Cyril?' she said, a little reproachfully; and
then he did take her in his arms.

'It is for the last time!' he murmured, as he pressed her almost
convulsively to him.

But she made no answer to this; when he had set her f