trouble that will have to be faced. When it comes to the point, you
will see that she has her own ideas and suggestions, which will be
better than any others. She will order us about, and tell us what
clothes to choose, how to lift her, and where to take her. And she will
do it just as she is doing things now, as calmly and coolly as if she
had been accustomed to it all her life."

"Extraordinary!" cried Will. He put down his cup and paced up and down
the floor, frowning till his eyebrows met. "Marvellous composure! I
should not have believed it possible. A lovely girl like that to have
her life wrecked in a moment; to look forward to being a hopeless
invalid for years--perhaps for ever. It is enough to unhinge the
strongest brain, and she bears it without a murmur, you say; realises it
all and still keeps calm? You women are wonderful creatures. You teach
us many lessons in submission."

Rachel and I looked at each other and were silent, but I knew that she
knew, and I had a longing to hear what Will would say. Somehow, ever
since knowing him I have always felt more satisfied when I knew his
opinion on any subject. So I told him all about it. I said--

"I'll tell you something, but you mustn't speak of it to Mr Carstairs,
or father, or anybody; just think over it yourself, and try if you can
help her. Rachel knows--she found out for herself, as I did. Vere is
not brave nor submissive, nor anything that you think; it is only a
pretence, for in reality she is broken-hearted. She won't allow herself
to give in like other people, so she has determined to brave it out, and
pretend that she doesn't care. She has always been admired and envied,
and would hate it if people pitied her now, and I think there is another
reason. She is angry! Angry that this should have happened to her, and
that it should have happened just now when she was enjoying herself so
much, and was so young and pretty. She feels that she has been ill-
used, and it makes her cold and bitter. I've felt the same myself when
things went wrong. It isn't right, of course: one ought to be sweet and
submissive, but--can't you understand?"

"Yes," said Will, quickly. He stopped in his pacings to and fro, and
stood thinking it over with his head leant forward on his chest. His
face looked so kind, and troubled, and sorry. "Oh, yes," he said, "I
understand only too well. Poor girl, poor child! It's awfully sad, for
it is going to make