d severely,
but there was little fear of this man's resolution deserting him. She
was, however, troubled by a recurrence of the unpleasant sense of guilt
when he disappeared; it was difficult to persuade herself that she had
been quite honest, and the difficulty was new to her.

In the meanwhile Lisle walked on rapidly, disregarding the ache that the
motion started in his injured arm and shoulder. In his dejected mood, the
twinge at every step was something of a welcome distraction. Since a
sacrifice must be made, it should, he resolved, be made by him; Millicent
should not suffer, though he admitted that he had no reason for supposing
that she would have been willing to do so. She had never shown him more
than confidence and friendliness, and it was only during the past few
weeks that he had ventured to think of the possibility of winning her.
Even then, the thought had roused no excess of ardent passion; much as he
desired her, a strong respect and steadfast affection were more in
keeping with his temperament. Nevertheless, had he known that she loved
him and he could confer benefits upon her in place of demanding a
sacrifice, he would have been strangely hard to deter.

On his return, Nasmyth met him at the door.

"Where have you been?" he asked with some indignation.

"To Mrs. Gladwyne's," Lisle informed him.

"You walked to the house, after what Irvine said when you insisted on his
taking the bandages off?"

"I took them off; he only protested. Anyway, I didn't break my leg."

Nasmyth noticed his gloomy expression.

"Well," he responded, "I suppose there was very little use in warning you
to keep quiet; but you look as if you had suffered for your rashness."

"That's true," answered the Canadian with a grim smile. "After all, it's
what usually happens, isn't it?"

They went in, Nasmyth a little puzzled by his companion's manner; but
Lisle offered no explanation of its cause.

CHAPTER XXI

THE LAST AFTERNOON

It was a bright day when Lisle took his leave of the Marples. They gave
him a friendly farewell and when he turned away Bella Crestwick walked
with him down the drive.

"I don't care what they think; I couldn't talk to you while they were all
trying to say something nice," she explained. "Still, to do them justice,
I believe they meant it. We are sorry to part with you."

"It's soothing to feel that," Lisle replied. "In many ways, I'm sorry to
go. I've no doubt you'll miss your brother