wish you to
know that I am going to the Gray Cottage to-morrow to bid Mrs. Blake
good-bye.'

Then Dr. Ross's arm dropped from her waist, and she saw at once that the
news was not palatable to him.

'Is that necessary, Audrey?'

'Yes, father; I think I may say that it is necessary. I have kept away
from the Gray Cottage all this time because I knew that it was your wish
that I should do so, and I have ever been guided by your wishes; but now
Mrs. Blake is going away, and it would trouble me greatly if she were to
leave without my bidding her good-bye.'

'I think it would be far better, for her sake as well as yours, that
there should be no special leave-taking.'

'There I must differ from you, father dear,' returned Audrey gently. 'I
could not bring myself to put such an affront on Cyril's mother. You
know, I am still engaged to Cyril, and his mother can never be a
stranger to me.'

Then Dr. Ross regarded his daughter with a grieved expression.

'My own child, if you would only be guided by me in this!--if you would
give up this young man entirely----'

Then she shook her head, and a grave, sweet smile came to her lips.

'Would you have me break my word, father, because Cyril has broken his?
But I do not blame him--he was obliged to do it; but no power on earth
could compel me. Dear, why should we speak of this thing--you and I?
When one's mind is made up, there is nothing more to be said. In
everything else I will obey you as a child ought to obey her father. If
you tell me that I must not go to the Gray Cottage to-morrow, you shall
be obeyed, no matter what it may cost me; but'--pressing her lips to his
forehead as she leant against him--'I do not think my father will be
such a tyrant.'

'I have no wish to tyrannise, Audrey,' returned Dr. Ross sadly. 'In all
I have said, I have only considered your happiness. If you feel that
there is this need to bid Mrs. Blake good-bye, I shall certainly not
prevent you. I know I can trust my daughter. I have wished that the
break should be final and conclusive, but it seems that you think
otherwise.'

'After to-morrow the separation will be as complete as you desire it to
be.'

'I am thankful to hear it. Of all women, I believe Mrs. Blake to be the
most unsatisfactory. Audrey, my child, at the risk of paining you, I
must say one word. There must be no written communication between her
and you.'

'No, father; I should not wish it. Any such letters would be
impossi