s had a great
shock, Miss Jacobi, and in spite of his youth he has suffered much. I
wish I could tell you truthfully that he has forgotten you, but it
would be a useless falsehood. We can only hope that time and change
will be beneficial;" and then, in the kindest manner, he sketched the
outline of Cedric's projected travels, and gave her a full description
of his travelling companion.

Malcolm's confidence was not thrown away; before many minutes were over
Leah's wan face brightened a little, and her eyes lost their strained
look.

"Thank you--thank you so much, Mr. Herrick," she said gratefully, when
he had finished; "no one has told me anything about him, and it does me
good to know. And now will you do me a favour"--turning to him--"when
you write next to Mr. Templeton, will you give him a message from me?"

"May I know the message first?" replied Malcolm cautiously. Then she
smiled a little sadly.

"Ah, you do not trust me. Well, I cannot wonder at that. But my message
will not hurt him; indeed, I think it may do him good. I want you to
tell him that I have been ill, but I am getting well and strong now,
and that I am with a dear friend who mothers and takes care of me, and
whom I love better every day; and that I am content and at peace. Tell
him that I never forget to pray for him, and that my one prayer and
wish is for his happiness; that I entreat him with all my heart not to
let his disappointment shadow his life; that if he can forget me, it
would be wiser and better to do so; but if he remembers, let him think
of me as though I were dead, and already praying for him in paradise.
Will you tell him this?"

Malcolm was silent for a moment, then he bowed his head, and Leah saw
him pencil the message rapidly in his note-book.

"He shall have it--not a word shall be missed," he said briefly. Then
he saw the tears of gratitude in her eyes.

"It will make him happier to know I am content," she whispered; "Cedric
has such a kind heart."

"You are right--I think that message will do him good," agreed Malcolm.
And then Leah lifted her basket and they walked back to the others.

It was during this visit to the Manor House that, in an unguarded
moment, Malcolm's jealously-kept secret was betrayed to Mrs. Godfrey's
sharp eyes, though Malcolm never guessed the fact then or afterwards.

They had been having tea in the alcove as usual, and the Colonel had
just gone to the stables to give an order for the next day