ds of her
beautiful shawl, which Guy meant her to wear to-day. This, together
with his fond remembrance of her, seemed almost as comfortable as the
visible presence of her boy. Her boy, who was sure to come to-morrow.

"John, is that you? How softly you came in. And Lord Ravenel! He
knows we are glad to see him. Shall we make him one of our own family
for the time being, and take him with us to see Edwin married?"

Lord Ravenel bowed.

"Maud tells us you have not seen Guy. I doubt if he will be able to
arrive to-day; but we fully expect him tomorrow."

Lord Ravenel bowed again. Mrs. Halifax said something about this
unexpected arrival of his.

"He came on business," John answered quickly, and Ursula made no more
inquiries.

She stood, talking with Lord Ravenel--as I could see her stand now,
playing with the deep fringe of her shawl; the sun glancing on that
rich silk dress, of her favourite silver-grey; a picture of matronly
grace and calm content, as charming as even the handsome, happy bride.

I was still looking at her, when John called me aside. I followed him
to the study.

"Shut the door."

By his tone and look I knew in a moment that something had happened.

"Yes. I'll tell you presently--if there's time."

While he was speaking some violent pain--physical or mental, or
both--seemed to seize him. I had my hand on the door to call Ursula,
but he held me fast with a kind of terror.

"Call no one. I am used to it. Water!"

He drank a glassful, which stood by, breathed once or twice heavily,
and gradually recovered himself. The colour had scarcely come back
into his face when he heard Maud run laughing through the hall.

"Father, where are you? We are waiting for you."

"I will come in two minutes, my child."

Having said this, in his own natural voice, he closed the door again,
and spoke to me rapidly.

"Phineas, I want you to stay away from church; make some excuse, or I
will for you. Write a letter for me to this address in Paris.
Say--Guy Halifax's father will be there, without fail, within a week,
to answer all demands."

"All demands!" I echoed, bewildered.

He repeated the sentence word for word. "Can you remember it?
Literally, mind! And post it at once, before we return from church."

Here the mother's call was heard. "John, are you coming?"

"In a moment, love," for her hand was on the door outside; but her
husband held the other handle fast. He then went on, b