let
them eat alone and be companions to each other. I am sure, dear, that
would make them much happier, and be better for us all.'

'Do you think so?' Gladys asked, with all the docility of a child. 'Very
well, dear Guardy, I will do as you think. But where are they now? I
must bid them welcome.'

'They have gone for a walk to the birch wood. And how have you been
since you went up to town? Have you been very gay, and seen a great deal
of a certain gentleman?'

'No, I saw him once only, and we did not agree,' replied Gladys calmly.
'Do you know, dear Miss Peck, I think it was the greatest mistake for us
to get engaged? I don't know in the least what made me do it, and I wish
I hadn't.'

Miss Peck stood aghast, but presently smiled in a relieved manner.

'Oh, nonsense, my love--only a lover's tiff. When it blows over, you
will be happier than ever.'

'I don't like tiffs,' Gladys answered, as she ran up-stairs to take off
her wraps.

The lover's tiff seemed to be rather a serious affair, for a week passed
away and no letter came from George; nor did Gladys write any. She felt
secretly wounded over it, and though she often recalled that hour spent
in the library at Bellairs Crescent, she could not remember anything
which seemed to justify such a complete estrangement. Never since she
came to Bourhill had so long a time elapsed without communicating with
one or other of the Fordyce family, but as the days went by and they
made no sign, the girl's pride rose, and she told herself that if they
pleased to take offence because she reserved to herself the right to ask
whom she willed to her own house, they should receive no advances from
her. But she was secretly unhappy. Her nature craved sunshine and peace,
and the conduct of her lover she could not possibly understand. In all
her imaginings how far was she always from the truth! She did not dream
that he believed his death-knell had been rung, and that he attributed
her silence to her righteous and inexorable indignation over the story
she had heard from the lips of Liz Hepburn. He never for one moment
doubted that she had told, and between conscience and disappointed love
he had a very lively week of it. All this time none could have been more
discreet and reticent than the girl who was the cause of all this
heart-burning. Her behaviour was exemplary. She was docile, courteous,
gentle in demeanour and speech, grateful for everything, but
enthusiastic over nothing, d