cruel fate that
could happen to that little soul would be to be married to a man who did
not love her absolutely!"

Stephen Glynn nodded, his lips pressed together in grim determination.

"He shall understand. If I know Stanor, there will be no difficulty, in
persuading him. He is a good lad, but it is not in him to sacrifice
himself. I have been so anxious to secure him an unclouded youth that
he is hardly to be blamed for putting his own interests in the
foreground."

"It's a fault that many of us suffer from in the early twenties," said
Geoffrey, lightly. He thought the conversation had lasted long enough,
and was glad when the sound of the gong came as an interruption and he
could escort his guest to the dining-room, where the two ladies were
already waiting.

Luncheon was a cheerful meal despite the somewhat difficult position of
the diners, and Stephen Glynn felt the pang of the lonely as he absorbed
the atmosphere of love and sympathy. The beautiful hostess looked tired
and worn, but her eyes brightened as she looked at her husband, and, in
a quiet, unostentatious fashion, he watched incessantly over her
comfort. It was easy to see that the trial through which this husband
and wife had passed had but riveted the bond between them and brought
them into closest sympathy, while the little sister comported herself
with a brisk cheeriness which was as far as possible removed from the
attitude of the proverbial damsel crossed in love. The time passed so
pleasantly that the visitor was unfeignedly sorry when it was time to
make his farewells.

Pixie ran upstairs for the small son and heir, who had by now returned
home, and in her absence Stephen exchanged a few last words with
Esmeralda.

"I am immensely relieved and thankful that you and your husband feel
with me in this matter. And Miss O'Shaughnessy has been wonderfully
forgiving! She does not appear to bear me any rancour."

Esmeralda gave a short, impatient laugh.

"_Rancour_! _Pixie_! You know very little of my sister, Mr Glynn, to
suggest such a possibility. She is incapable of rancour!"

Pixie returned at this moment, leading Geoff by the hand, and when the
great car glided up to the door, she and the boy went out together to
see the last of the departing guest. Stephen stepped haltingly into the
car, and leaned over the side to wave his own farewells. Pixie smiled,
and waved in reply, and the sun shone down on her uncovered face.
Step