ck with the self-restraint, the thoughtful choice of
words, which had taken the place of her former impulsiveness.

She dwelt much upon the delight she had received from Miss Newthorpe's
playing. That had clearly made a great impression upon her.

'There was something she played, Gilbert, that told just what I felt
when I first saw the sea. Do you know what I mean? Does music ever seem
to speak to you in that way? It's really as if it spoke words.'

'I understand you very well, Thyrza,' he answered, in a subdued voice.
And he added, his eyes brightening: 'Shall I take you some night to a
concert, a really good concert, at one of the large halls?'

'Will you?'

'Yes, I will. I'll find out from the newspaper, and we'll go together.'

She looked at him gratefully, but did not speak. As she remained
silent, he drew his chair nearer and held his hand for hers. She gave
it, without meeting his look.

'Thyrza, I heard from Mr. Egremont this morning. He wants to know if I
can be ready to begin at the library on May 7, that's a Monday. It
won't be opened then, but we shall be able to begin arranging the
books. The house will be ready before the end of this month. Will you
come and be married to me three weeks from to-day?'

'Yes, Gilbert, I will.'

No flush, but an extreme pallor came upon her face.

He felt a coldness in her hand.

'Then we shall go for a week to the seaside again,' he continued, his
voice uncertain, 'and be back in time to get our house in order before
the 7th of May.'

'Yes, Gilbert.'

She still did not look at him. He released her hand, and went on in a
more natural tone:

'I had a letter from my brother this morning, as well. He'll have to
come to London on business in about a month, he says; so I hope we
shall be able to have him stay with us.'

'I hope so.'

She spoke mechanically, and then followed a rather long silence. Both
were lost in thought. Nor did the conversation renew itself after this,
for Thyrza seemed to have no more to tell of her Eastbourne
experiences, and Gilbert found it enough to sit near her at times
searching her face for the meaning which was new-born in it.

She rose at length, and, when they had exchanged a few words with
regard to her occupations now that she would remain at home, Thyrza
approached him to say good-night. Instead of bending to kiss her at
once, he held her hand in both his and said:

'Thyrza, look at me.'

She did so. His hands were trembl