would have been time enough to turn rebellious when the
offer came--which I was quite sure never would come--to make them and
him a low curtsy, and say, 'You are very kind, but I must decline the
honour.' Did you get any teasings on your side, Lionel?" asked she
frankly.

A half smile flitted over Lionel's lips. He did not speak.

"No," added Lady Mary, her joking tone turning to seriousness, her blue
eyes to earnestness, "I and Lionel have ever been good friends, fond of
each other, I believe, in a sober kind of way: but--any closer
relationship, we should both have run apart from, as wide as the two
poles. I can answer for myself; and I think I can for him."

"I see," said John Massingbird. "To be husband and wife would go against
the grain: you'd rather be brother and sister."

What there could be in the remark to disturb the perfect equanimity of
Mary Elmsley, she best knew. Certain it was that her face turned of a
fiery red, and it seemed that she did not know where to look. She spoke
rapid words, as if to cover her confusion.

"So you perceive, Mr. Massingbird, that _I_ have nothing to do with Mr.
Verner's plans and projects; with his stopping at Deerham or going away
from it. I should not think any lady has. You are not going, are you?"
she asked turning to Lionel.

"Yes, I shall go, Mary," he answered. "As soon as Mr. Massingbird can
find somebody to replace me-----"

"Mr. Massingbird's not going to find anybody to replace you," burst
forth John. "I declare, Lionel, if you do go, I'll take on Roy, just to
spite you and your old tenants. By the way, though, talking of Roy, who
do you think has come back to Deerham?" he broke off, rather less
vehemently.

"How can I guess?" asked Lionel. "Some of the Mormons, perhaps."

"No. Luke Roy. He has arrived this afternoon."

"Has he indeed?" replied Lionel, a shade of sadness in his tone, more
than surprise, for somehow the name of Luke, coupled with his return,
brought back all too vividly the recollection of his departure, and the
tragic end of Rachel Frost which had followed so close upon it.

"I have not seen him," rejoined Mr. Massingbird. "I met Mrs. Roy as I
came on here, and she told me. She was scuttering along with some
muffins in her hand--to regale him on, I suppose."

"How glad she must be!" exclaimed Lucy.

"Rather sorry, I thought," returned John. "She looked very quaky and
shivery. I tell you what, Lionel," he continued, turning to him, "yo