before
his critics. But she must not speak that word to save his reputation.

So Cora was anxious to leave the city.

The next morning the whole family set out on their return journey to
Rockhold, where they arrived early in the afternoon. They found
everything in good order, for Cora had taken the precaution to write to
the housekeeper, and warn her of the return of the family.

The grief of the servants for the loss of their kind and gentle old
mistress broke out afresh at the sight of the young lady. And it was
long before the latter could soothe and quiet them.

Fortunately Mr. Rockharrt had gone at once to his room, and so he
escaped annoyance from their loud lamentations, and they escaped stern
rebuke for their want of self-control.

The two young Rockharrts had left the family party at North End, to
inspect the condition of the works, and were to remain there overnight.
Old Aaron Rockharrt, Sylvanus Haught, and Cora Rothsay were, therefore,
the only ones who sat down at the once full dinner table.

The meal passed in almost utter silence, for neither Sylvan nor Cora
ventured to address one word to the hard old man who, whenever they had
spoken to him since his loss of his wife, had replied in short, harsh
words, or not replied at all. The brother and sister, therefore, only
spoke in suppressed tones, at intervals, to each other.

After dinner the old man bade them an abrupt good night, and left the
room to retire to his own chamber. Cora felt sorry for him, despite all
his harshness. She stepped after him and asked:

"Grandfather, can I be of any service to you at all? Help you at your--"

He stopped her by turning and bending his gray brows over the fierce
black eyes which fixed her motionless. He stared at her for an instant
and then said:

"No. Certainly not," and turned and went up stairs.

Cora walked slowly back into the drawing room, at the open door of which
stood Sylvan, who had heard all that passed.

"You had better let the old man alone, Cora. Or you'll have your head
bitten off. I don't want to break the fifth commandment by saying
anything irreverent of our grandfather, but indeed, indeed, indeed it is
as much as one's life, or at least as one's temper, is worth to speak to
him," said the young man.

"I never reverenced my grandfather as much as I do now, Sylvan," gravely
replied the young lady.

"That is all right! Reverence him as much as you please; but don't go
too near the old