tation from Mrs. Latimer to join her

he, urged thereto by some very plain speaking from his

ge. The heat had told upon her nerves and spirits. She had had no fever, but she

he had ever known. She was always happy in Mrs. Latimer's society, and she had no desire just then for gaiety. The ab

language of a man who knew no other, and she often referred to this letter when she was

ce at the little English church on the hill, on the second Sunday after her arrival, a big figure, clad i

dly that she was aware of it, and almost feared to meet his

d from her the day before. "I was afraid you were going on the sic

e with a feeling

Ronnie?"

ittle at the h

ing to have a five days' leave next week to come an

up at him

s coming myself, and-it will seem odd

was something in his

me, wasn't i

know,"

y part. Are we going to breakfast on the veranda? You will h

ajor Baring in this light-hearted mood. She woul

ppointed?" she

uite green when he heard. I don't thi

ss the table, and she knew it. A

t he said, Major

to hear you tell me that you are even

u that," said Hope, turning he

Why

be very friendly,"

to fancy it was because it wo

ng a little, there was no mistaking the message his held for he

ietly, very resolutely, he leaned to

. "He's an impertinent young rascal, but I bore with him for your sake, dear. He said: 'Go in and win, o

er own within them without an instant's hesitation, and suffered them to remai

, I know. I should have waited longer; but, under the circumstances, it seemed better to speak at once. But there is nothing to frighten you. Just look me in the face and tell me, may

g in the world. It was not in her at that moment to have answered him otherwise. And Baring knew it, understanding so perfectly that no other word was necessary on either side. He only bent his head, and held her