'You mean that we can't keep the secret?'

'How is it possible?'

'But you are vexed about it. You don't speak to me as you used to. I
don't think you ever will again.'

'It will make no change in _me_,' said Tarrant, with resolute good
humour. 'All I want to be sure of is that you are quite prepared for the
change in your prospects.'

'Are _you_, dear?'

Her tone and look deprived the inquiry of unpleasant implication. He
answered her with a laugh.

'You know exactly how I regard it. In one way I should feel relief. Of
course I don't like the thought that I shall have caused you to suffer
such a loss.'

'I should never have that thought. But are you quite sure about the
result to yourself? You remember saying that you couldn't be certain
how--'

'How it will be taken at Champion Hill? I was going to tell you the
latest report from there. It is very doubtful whether I should ever have
to break the news.'

They did not look at each other.

'Everything, in that quarter, must be long since settled. Pray remember
that I have no vast expectations. Quite certainly, it won't be a large
fortune; very likely not more than your own. But enough to live on, no
doubt. I know the value of money--no man better. It would be pleasant
enough to play with thousands a year. But I don't grumble so long as I
have a competency.'

Nancy meditated, and sighed.

'Oh, it's a pity. Father never meant me to be penniless if I married
wisely.'

'I suppose not.'

'Of course not!'

They both meditated.

'It wouldn't be possible--would it?'

'Why,' he answered with a laugh, 'last time you were here you spoke in
quite the other way. You were utterly miserable at the thought of living
through it alone.'

'Yes--I don't know whether I could--even if--'

'What are you thinking of?'

'I've been talking with Mary,' she replied, after an uneasy pause.
'She has lived with us so long; and since father's death it seems quite
natural to make a friend of her. No one could be more devoted to me than
she is. I believe there's nothing she wouldn't do. I believe I might
trust her with any secret.'

The obvious suggestion demanded thought.

'By-the-bye,' said Tarrant, looking up, 'have you seen your aunt again?'

Nancy's face changed to a cold expression.

'No. And I don't think I shall.'

'Probably you were as little sympathetic to her as she to you.'

'I don't like her,' was the brief reply.

'I've had curious thoughts about t