believed that you would give her up. If she did, I am sure she would not
have gone.'

'She thinks her power over me stronger than my principles. She
challenges me--desires you to tell me so. We shall see.'

He spoke as a man whose steadfastness had been defied, and who was piqued
on proving it to the utmost. Such feelings may savour of the wrath of
man, they may need the purifying of chastening, and they often impel far
beyond the bounds of sober judgment; but no doubt they likewise
frequently render that easy which would otherwise have appeared
impossible, and which, if done in haste, may be regretted, but not
repented, at leisure.

Under some circumstances, the harshness of youth is a healthy symptom,
proving force of character and conviction, though that is only when the
foremost victim is self. Robert was far from perfect, and it might be
doubted whether he were entering the right track in the right way, but at
least his heart was sound, and there was a fair hope that his failings,
in working their punishment, might work their cure.

It was in a thorough brotherly and Christian spirit that before entering
the house he compelled himself to say, 'Don't vex yourself, Phoebe, I
know you did the best you could. It made no real difference, and it was
best that she should know the truth.'

'Thank you, dear Robin,' cried Phoebe, grateful for the consolation; 'I
am glad you do not think I misrepresented.'

'You are always accurate,' he answered. 'If you did anything
undesirable, it was representing at all. But that is nothing to the
purpose. It is all over now, and thank you for your constant good-will
and patience, my dear. There! now then it is an understood thing that
her name is never spoken between us.'

Meanwhile, Robert's proposal was under discussion by the elders. Mr.
Parsons had no abstract dread of a wealthy curate, but he hesitated to
accept gratuitous services, and distrusted plans formed under the impulse
of disappointment or of enthusiasm, since in the event of a change, both
parties might be embarrassed. There was danger too of collisions with
his family, and Mr. Parsons took counsel with Miss Charlecote, knowing
indeed that where her affections were concerned, her opinions must be
taken with a qualification, but relying on the good sense formed by
rectitude of purpose.

Honor's affection for Robert Fulmort had always been moderated by Owen's
antagonism; her moderation in superlatives co