e secret of Anne Valery's always
remaining Anne Valery, was, that his old companion had been first on
the illustrious Frederick's long list of broken hearts. If so, never was
there a broken heart that made so little outward show, or wore such a
cheerful exterior, as Miss Valery's.

But Agatha's own heart was too full of the busy trembling fancies
natural to her position to speculate overmuch on the hearts of other
people. Very soon Major Harper quitted the house, and the Thornycrofts
also. She was left alone with her lover and with Anne--Anne, who ever
since her arrival had seemed to keep a steady watch over Nathanael's
bride. They had rarely met, and for brief intervals; yet Agatha felt
that she was perpetually under this guardianship, gentle, though
strong--holding her fluctuating spirit firm, and filling her with all
cheerful hopes and tender thoughts of her future husband. She seemed to
grow a better woman every time she saw Anne Valery. It was inexpressibly
sweet to turn for a few moments each day from the lace and the ribbons,
the dresses and the bridecake, and hear Anne talk of what true marriage
really was--when two people entirely and worthily loved one another.

Only Agatha had not the courage to confess, what she began to hope was
a foolish doubt, that the "love" which Miss Valery seemed to take for
granted she felt towards Nathanael, was a something which as yet she
herself did not quite understand.

That Saturday afternoon, nevertheless, she was calmer and more at ease.
Signing the settlement had removed all doubts from her mind, and made
her realise clearly that she would soon be Mr. Harper's wife. And he
was so tender over her, so happy. Her marriage with him appeared to make
every one happy. That very day he had brought her a heap of letters from
Dorsetshire; her first welcome from his kindred--her own that would be.

They seemed to know all about her--from Anne Valery doubtless--and to
be delighted at Nathanael's choice. There was a kind but formal missive
from the old father, implying his dignified satisfaction that at
last one of his sons would marry to keep up the family name. From
the daughters there were letters varying in style and matter, but all
cordial except, perhaps, Eulalie's, who had years to wait before
_she_ married, and was rather cross accordingly. One note, in neat and
delicate writing, made Agatha's heart beat; for it was signed, "Your
affectionate _sister_, Elizabeth."

She, who