f day. The child is scarcely awake yet,
and does not know one from the other! Why neither of you so much as know
the colour of the eyes of the other! Can you tell me sir?"

"Heavenly," exclaimed the youth, in an ecstatic tone of self-defence,
which set the Major laughing and saying, "My silly maid knows as little
which gentleman put on the ring."

"I do, sir," said Aurelia indignantly; "I know his voice and hand quite
well," and in the impulse she quitted her father's arm and put both
hands into those of her young adorer, saying, "Pray sir, pardon me, I
never thought to hurt you so cruelly."

There was a cry of, "My own, my dearest life," and she was clasped as
she had been immediately after her strange wedding.

However, the sound of a servant's step made them separate instantly,
and Betty begged that the supper might not be removed, since it was many
hours since her sister had tasted food.

Sir Amyas and Betty hovered about her, giving her whatever she could
need, in the partial light, while the others stood apart, exchanging
such explanations as they could. Mr. Wayland said he must report himself
to Government on the morrow; but intended afterwards to take his wife
to Bowstead, whither she had sent all her children with Mrs. Dove. There
was a great tenderness in his tone as he spoke of her, and when he took
leave Mr. Belamour shrugged his shoulders saying, "She will come round
him again!"

"It is true enough that he ought not to have left her to herself," said
the Major.

"You making excuses for her after the diabolical plot of to-day?" said
Mr. Belamour; "I could forgive her all but that letter to you."

"My Lady loves her will," quoted the Major; "it amounts to insanity in
some women, I believe."

"So I might say does men's infatuation towards women like her," muttered
Mr. Belamour.

By this time Aurelia had finished her meal, and Betty was anxious to
carry her off without any more excitement, for she was still drowsy and
confused. She bade her father good night, asking his blessing as of old,
but when Mr. Belamour kissed her hand and repeated the good night, she
said, "Sir, I ought to have trusted you; I am so sorry."

"It is all well now, my child," he said, soothingly, understanding
Betty's wish; "Sleep, and we will talk it over."

So the happy sisters once more slept in each other's arms, till in the
early summer morning Betty heard the whole story from Aurelia, now
fully herself, though she slum