e grounds, and it would be just
scrumptious to be near you all. I'll speak to father about it at once,
and it will be a comfort to have something in the background, to keep up
our spirits if our search continues to be as unsuccessful as it is at
present."

Another week's house-hunting proved the truth of Peggy's words, for if
it had not been for the thought of Yew Hedge, the wanderers would have
begun to think that there was no resting-place for them within their
native land. House after house was visited, and house after house
proved unsuitable or, in those rare instances when all requirements were
fulfilled, so far beyond Colonel Saville's purse as to transform
perfection into aggravation, pure and simple. It seemed as though Fate
were shutting every avenue in order to advocate the claim of Yew Hedge;
but, though Peggy secretly rejoiced over the fact, she could not induce
Arthur to share her feelings.

"It's a charming old place, I grant you," he said, on one of the
precious, too rare occasions when brother and sister found an
opportunity for a confidential chat, "and, personally, I think nothing
of the distance. When you are once settled in the train, you might as
well have an hour and a half's journey as forty or fifty minutes', but
there are other considerations. For my own sake I wish the house had
been situated anywhere in the kingdom but just where it is--within half
a mile's distance of the Darcys'."

Peggy looked up quickly, for this was the nearest approach to a
confidence which Arthur had made, and though she did not wish to force
him into speech, she was equally anxious not to miss an opportunity.

"You mean, Arthur, you mean because of--"

Arthur rose from his seat, and paced restlessly up and down the room.

"I mean, Peg, that I want to be with you dear people as much as
possible, and at the same time to see as little as possible of--other
people! When one is perfectly conscious of a temptation, the wisest
plan is to keep out of its way. It is no use deliberately playing with
fire, and then praying to be `delivered.' I've thought out that subject
for myself through some pretty hard times these last few years, and have
come to a final conclusion. We must do our own share in keeping away
from the danger, and not trifle away the strength we ask for. This is a
little confidence for yourself alone, dear. I don't care to worry the
parents with my affairs, or to influence their choice, but I wan