What do you call earnest? I do love to see a pretty creature enjoy
herself thoroughly as she does. If you will make her stay till
Thursday Albury will let her ride the little horse again at Star
Cross on Wednesday."

"Of course she shall stay,--all the season if you wish it. She is
indeed a happy girl if you are in earnest."

Then it was settled, and Lady Albury in her happiest manner informed
Ayala that she was not to be allowed to take her departure till after
she had ridden Sprite once again. "Sir Harry says that you have given
the little horse quite a name, and that you must finish off his
character for him at Star Cross." As was the heart of the Peri when
the gate of Paradise was opened for her so was the heart of Ayala.
There were to be four days, with the fourth as a hunting-day, before
she need think of going! There was an eternity of bliss before her.

"But Aunt Margaret!" she said, not, however, doubting for a moment
that she would stay. Who cares for a frowning aunt at the distance of
an eternity. I fear that in the ecstacy of her joy she had forgotten
the promise made, that she would always remember her aunt's goodness
to her. "I will write a note to Mrs. Dosett, and make it all
straight," said Lady Albury. The note was written, and, whether
matters were straight or crooked at Kingsbury Crescent, Ayala
remained at Albury.

Colonel Stubbs had thought about the matter, and determined that he
was quite in earnest. He had, he told himself, enough for modest
living,--for modest living without poverty. More would come to him
when old General Stubbs, his uncle, should die. The general was
already past seventy. What was the use of independence if he could
not allow himself to have the girl whom he really loved? Had any
human being so perfectly lovely as Ayala ever flashed before his eyes
before? Was there ever a sweeter voice heard from a woman's mouth?
And then all her little ways and motions,--her very tricks,--how full
of charm they were! When she would open her eyes and nod her head,
and pout with her lips, he would declare to himself that he could no
longer live without her. And then every word that fell from her lips
seemed to have something in it of pretty humour. In fact the Colonel
was in love, and had now resolved that he would give way to his
love in spite of his aunt, the Marchesa, and in spite of his own
philosophy.

He felt by no means sure of success, but yet he thought that he might
succeed. F