ughts back into the past, endeavouring to recall
recollections of Joan's engagement, of Bridgie's, of Jack's. Yes,
certainly they had all become exceedingly different under the new
conditions. She recalled in especial Bridgie's face beneath her bridal
veil. Child as she herself had been at that time she had been arrested
by that expression: nor had she been allowed to forget it, for from time
to time during the last six years she had seen it again. "The _shiny_
look!" she had christened it in her thoughts. Sweet and loving were
Bridgie's eyes for every soul that breathed, but that one particular
look shone for one person alone! Pixie's heart contracted in a pang of
longing; it was almost like the pang she had felt in the drawing-room of
Holly House on that dread afternoon when the news of her father's death
had been broken to her--a pang of longing, a sore, sore feeling of
something wanting. She shivered, then drew herself together with
indignant remembrance. She was _engaged_! What sentiments were these
for an engaged girl? How could she feel a blank when still more love
was added to her share?

"If you talk till doomsday, Esmeralda, I'll keep my word. Stanor loves
me and says I can help him. I said I would, and, me dear, _I will_!
We've been through a lot of trouble this last week, isn't it a pity to
try to make more for no good? My mind's made up!"

Joan Hilliard was silent. In her heart of hearts she realised that
there was nothing more to say. Pixie was Pixie. As well try to move a
mountain from its place, as persuade that sweet, loving, most loyal of
creatures to draw back from a solemn pledge. Something might be done
with Stanor perhaps, or, failing Stanor, through that erratic person,
his uncle. She must consult with Geoffrey and Bridgie, together they
might insist upon a period of waiting and separation before a definite
engagement was announced. Pixie was still under age. Until her
twenty-first birthday her guardians might safely demand a delay. Joan
knew that Stanor Vaughan had had passing fancies before now, and had
little belief that the present entanglement would prove more lasting.
Circumstances had induced a special intimacy with Pixie, but when they
were separated he would repent.--If he himself set Pixie free! ... So
far did Joan's thoughts carry her, then, looking at the girl's happy
face, she felt a sharp pang of contrition.

"Me dear, I want you to be happy! If it makes you