u let Michael be your friend?'

'We are friends, are we not?' he said, a little bewildered at this.

'Ah! but I would have you close friends. Dear, you must think of me--how
unhappy I shall be unless I know you have someone to stand by you in
your trouble. If you would let my father help you!' But a shake of the
head negatived this. 'Well, then, it must be Michael, our good, generous
Michael, who will be like a brother to you.'

'I do not feel as though any man could help me.'

'No one but Michael. Dear Cyril, give me my way in this. We are going to
part, remember, and it may be for a long term of years; but if you value
my peace of mind, promise me that you will not turn from Michael.'

'Very well; I will promise you that. Have you any more commands to lay
upon me, Audrey?'

'No,' she returned wistfully; 'be yourself, your true, brave, honest
self, and all may yet be well. Now go! We have said all that needs to be
said, and I must not keep you. You are free, my dear one; but it is I
who am bound, who am still yours as much as ever. When we shall meet
again, God knows; but in heart and in thought I shall be with you
wherever you may go. Now kiss me, but you need not tell me again it is
for the last time.'

Then she put her arms round his neck, and for a minute or two they held
each other silently.

'My blessing, my one blessing!' murmured Cyril hoarsely.

Then she gently pushed him from her.

'Yes, your blessing. You may call me that always, if you will.' And
then, still holding his hand, she walked with him to the door; and as he
stood looking at her with that despair in his eyes, she motioned to him
to leave her. 'Go, dearest; I cannot bear any more.' And then he obeyed
her.

* * * * *

A few hours afterwards her mother found her lying on her bed, looking
very white and spent.

'Are you ill, Audrey? My dear, your father is so anxious about you, and
so is Michael. When you did not appear at luncheon, they wanted me to go
to you at once. Crauford says you have eaten nothing.'

'Dear mother, what does that matter? I am quite well, only so very
tired. My strength seemed to desert me all at once, so I thought I would
lie down and keep quiet. But you must tell father that I am not ill.'

'I shall tell him how good and brave you are,' returned her mother,
caressing her; 'Audrey, did Crauford tell you that Geraldine is here?'

Then a shadow passed over Audrey's pale face.

'