rance of Rachel would poison everything.
Perhaps, after all, it is as well that we know our danger, for we shall
be more careful to keep out of temptation. I shall try to persuade her
to marry me as soon as possible, and after that we shall live near my
uncle. I shall have a busy, active life, and, as you say, one of the
sweetest women in the world for my wife. She has been faithful to me
for so many years that I should be a scoundrel if I did not make her
happy."

I did not say anything--I couldn't! I seemed to see it all stretched
out before me--Will being married, and going to live far, far away, and
settling down with his wife and children, and forgetting that there was
a Una in the world. I tried to be glad at the thought; I tried _hard_,
but I was just one big ache, and my heart felt as if it would burst.
Honestly and truly, if by lifting up a little finger at that moment I
could have hindered their happiness, nothing would have induced me to do
it, but it is difficult to do right _cheerfully_.

We stood silently for a long time, until Will said brokenly: "And what
will--you do, Una?"

"Oh, I shall do nothing. I shall stay at home--like the little pig," I
said, trying to laugh, and succeeding very badly. "I shall help Vere
with her marriage preparations, and visit her in her new home, and take
care of the parents in their old age. Father says there ought always to
be one unmarried woman in every family to play Aunt Mary in time of
need. I shall be the Sackville Aunt Mary."

He turned and walked up and down the path. I stole a glance at him and
saw that he was battling with some strong emotion, then our eyes met,
and he came forward hastily and stood before me.

"Oh, it is hard that I should have brought this upon you! I who would
give my right hand to ensure your happiness. Have I spoilt your life,
Una? Will you think hardly of me some day, and wish that we had never
met?"

Then at last I looked full in his face.

"No, Will," I said; "that day will never come. I have known a good man,
and I am proud that he has loved me, and prouder still that he is true
to his word. Don't worry about me. I shall try to be happy and brave,
and make the most of my life. It will be easier after you have left.
We must not meet like this again. I could not bear that."

"No, we must not meet. I could not bear it either, but I am glad that
we have spoken out this once. God bless you, dear, for your sweet
wo