death.

After thus parting from a man than whom she had known none greater as
yet, Elfride rode rapidly onwards, a tear being occasionally shaken
from her eyes into the road. What yesterday had seemed so desirable, so
promising, even trifling, had now acquired the complexion of a tragedy.

She saw the rocks and sea in the neighbourhood of Endelstow, and heaved
a sigh of relief.

When she passed a field behind the vicarage she heard the voices of
Unity and William Worm. They were hanging a carpet upon a line. Unity
was uttering a sentence that concluded with 'when Miss Elfride comes.'

'When d'ye expect her?'

'Not till evening now. She's safe enough at Miss Bicknell's, bless ye.'

Elfride went round to the door. She did not knock or ring; and seeing
nobody to take the horse, Elfride led her round to the yard, slipped off
the bridle and saddle, drove her towards the paddock, and turned her in.
Then Elfride crept indoors, and looked into all the ground-floor rooms.
Her father was not there.

On the mantelpiece of the drawing-room stood a letter addressed to her
in his handwriting. She took it and read it as she went upstairs to
change her habit.

STRATLEIGH, Thursday.

'DEAR ELFRIDE,--On second thoughts I will not return to-day, but only
come as far as Wadcombe. I shall be at home by to-morrow afternoon, and
bring a friend with me.--Yours, in haste,

C. S.'

After making a quick toilet she felt more revived, though still
suffering from a headache. On going out of the door she met Unity at the
top of the stair.

'O Miss Elfride! I said to myself 'tis her sperrit! We didn't dream o'
you not coming home last night. You didn't say anything about staying.'

'I intended to come home the same evening, but altered my plan. I wished
I hadn't afterwards. Papa will be angry, I suppose?'

'Better not tell him, miss,' said Unity.

'I do fear to,' she murmured. 'Unity, would you just begin telling him
when he comes home?'

'What! and get you into trouble?'

'I deserve it.'

'No, indeed, I won't,' said Unity. 'It is not such a mighty matter, Miss
Elfride. I says to myself, master's taking a hollerday, and because he's
not been kind lately to Miss Elfride, she----'

'Is imitating him. Well, do as you like. And will you now bring me some
luncheon?'

After satisfying an appetite which the fresh marine air had given her
in its victory over an agitated mind, she put on her hat and went to
the garden and summer