again in genuine,
unselfish love."

"Perhaps it is too early to talk to her about such subjects."

"Too early! Do you think I talk to her about such subjects? But one
cannot talk of the greatest subjects as we do without touching on them.
Lady Markland is very fond of conversation. She lets me talk to her,
which is great condescension, for she is--much more thoughtful, and has
far more insight and mental power, than I."

"And more experience," said Dick.

"What do you mean? Well, yes; no doubt her marriage has given her a sort
of dolorous experience. She is acquainted with actual life. When it so
happens that in the course of conversation we touch on such subjects I
find she always leans to the darker side." He paused for a moment,
adding abruptly, "And then there is her boy."

"Oh," said Dick, "has she a boy?"

"That's what I'm going to town about. She is very anxious for a tutor
for this boy. My opinion is that he is a great deal too much for her.
And who can tell what he may turn out? I have brought her to see that he
wants a man to look after him."

"She should send him to school. With a child who has been a pet at home
that is the best way."

"Did I say he had been a pet at home? She is a great deal too wise for
that. Still, the boy is too much for her, and if I could hear of a
tutor---- Cavendish, you are just the sort of fellow to know. I have
not told her what I am going to do, but I think if I could find some one
who would answer I have influence enough----" Warrender said this with
a sudden glow of colour to his face, and a conscious glance; a glance
which dared the other to form any conclusions from what he said, yet
in a moment avowed and justified them. Dick was very full of his own
thoughts, and yet at sight of this he could not help but smile. His
heart was touched by the sight of the young passion, which had no
intention of disclosing itself, yet could think of nothing and talk of
nothing but the person beloved.

"I don't know how you feel about it, Warrender," he said, "but if I had
a--friend whom I prized so much, I should not introduce another fellow
to be near her constantly, and probably to--win her confidence, you
know; for a lady in these circumstances must stand greatly in need of
some one to--to consult with, and to take little things off her hands,
and save her trouble, and--and all that."

"That is just what I am trying to do," said Warrender. "As for her
grief, you know--which i