ude myself
that I have received a life-long wound. It has been a dream, you know,
a schoolboy's dream, but I always realised that the princess was not for
me. She is so lovely that one's heart goes out to her instinctively,
but it never seemed possible to think of her as a part of my work-a-day
life. It's dreary work walking in the cold grey light and realising
that the dream is over, but I shall pull myself together as time goes
on, and make the best of what remains."

"You will be surprised to discover how much that is! There are many
people left who love you and long to make you happy, and in time to come
you will be thankful that things are arranged as they are. There are
dozens of other girls who are far better worth winning--"

"But I don't happen to want them! That makes all the difference!"
sighed Arthur sadly. "Ah, Peg, it is easy to be philosophical for
another person. I could offer volumes of common-sense consolations to
another fellow in my position, but they fall very flat when it comes to
one's own turn. It is impossible to judge for another person."

"Yet onlookers see most of the game, and no one could know you and
Rosalind, and not feel that you were a thousand times too good for her!
Think of mother! Think of Mrs Asplin! Compare her with them, and you
will see how different she is. I can quite understand your feelings,
for she fascinated me, too, and, however stern I mean to be, I have to
give in when she takes the trouble to smile upon me; but one wants
something more than pretty ways, and she would have disappointed you,
Arthur, I know she would! You would have found her empty-headed and
unsympathetic just where you needed sympathy most."

"Ah, well, well, we won't discuss her any more. It is not our business.
If you want to please me, Peg, you will be as friendly as possible when
you meet. She will have her own troubles to bear, poor girl, and it
will be all the easier for you, since you believe that I have had a
fortunate escape."

He tried to smile, but it was an unsuccessful attempt, and Peggy
realised that the wound was as yet too fresh to bear handling. The time
would come when Arthur would be ready to receive consolation, but now it
was easy to see that depreciation of Rosalind's character only added to
his distress. He did not attempt to contradict his sister's statements,
but no doubt the fact that he was unable to do so was the bitterest drop
in his cup. Peggy clasped