tude that was unusual to
her, and her strong lithe figure swayed a little, as though with
weakness.

'Do you think you should be here?' he asked, with grave concern. 'You
look ill, Audrey, as though you ought to be resting in your own room.'

'I have been resting,' she replied gently. 'And then Gage came to me,
and after that I thought I had been idle long enough. Michael,'--and
here her lips quivered as though she found it difficult to maintain her
self-control--'you know all that has happened. Cyril has gone away--he
has said good-bye to me--and he looks as though his heart were broken. I
have done what I could to comfort him. I have told him that I shall
always be true to him; but it is not in my power to help him more.'

'Dear Audrey,' he said--for he understood her meaning well, and there
was no need for her to speak more plainly--'it was not for me to go to
him after such a parting as that. The presence of one's dearest friend
would be intolerable.'

'I did not mean to-day,' she returned sadly; 'but there is to-morrow,
and there is the future. And he has no friend who is worthy of the name.
Michael, there is no one in the whole world who could help him as you
could. This is the favour I have come to ask you.'

'It is granted, Audrey.'

Then her eyes were full of tears as he said this.

'Oh, I knew you would not refuse! When have you ever refused to do a
kindness for anyone? Michael, I told my poor boy to-day that if he
valued my peace of mind he would consent to be guided by your advice. He
is so young; he does not know the world as you do, and he is so terribly
unhappy; but if you would only help him----'

'My dear,' he said very quietly, 'there is no need to distress yourself,
or to say any more; we have always understood each other without words.
You are giving me this charge because you are unable to fulfil it
yourself. You wish me to be a good friend to poor Blake, to watch over
him and interest myself in his welfare--that is, as far as one man will
permit another to do so. Well, I can promise you that without a moment's
hesitation. I will be as solicitous for him as though he were my
brother. Will that content you?'

But he could not easily forget the look of gratitude that answered him.

'God bless you, Michael! I will not try to thank you. Perhaps some
day----'

She stopped as though unable to say more.

'Oh,' he said lightly, and crushing down some dangerous emotion as he
spoke, 'I have don