gled on alone--whatever she might have attained to.'

It was clear to Harvey that the well-meaning lady did not quite
understand Alma's sudden enthusiasm for the 'simple life', that she had
but a confused apprehension of the ideal for which Alma panted. But the
suggestion of 'economy' received her entire approval.

'I feel sure you couldn't do better than to go and live in the country
for a time. There are so many reasons why Alma will be happier there,
at first, than in London. I don't know whether that place in North
Wales would be quite--but I mustn't meddle with what doesn't concern
me. And you will be thoroughly independent; at any moment you can make
a change.'

To a suggestion that she should run down into Carnarvonshire, and see
her proposed home before any practical step was taken, Alma replied
that she had complete faith in Harvey Rolfe's judgment. Harvey's only
doubt was as to the possibility of finding a house. He made the journey
himself, and after a few days' absence returned with no very hopeful
report; at present there was nothing to be had but a cottage, literally
a cotter's home, and this would not do. He brought photographs, and
Alma went into raptures over the lovely little bay, with its grassy
cliffs, its rivulet, its smooth sand, and the dark-peaked mountains
sweeping nobly to a sheer buttress above the waves. 'There must be a
house! There _shall_ be a house!' Of course, said Harvey, one could
build, and cheaply enough; but that meant a long delay. Regarding the
date of the marriage nothing was as yet decided, but Harvey had made up
his mind to be 'at home' for Christmas. When he ventured to hint at
this, Alma evaded the question.

A correspondent would inform him if any house became tenantless. 'I
shall bribe someone to quit!' he cried. 'One might advertise that all
expenses would be paid, with one year's rent of a house elsewhere.'
Harvey was in excellent spirits, though time hung rather heavily on his
hands.

On an appointed day the ladies paid him a visit at his rooms. Mrs
Handover, requested to prepare tea for a semi-ceremonious occasion, was
at once beset with misgivings, and the first sight of the strangers
plunged her into profound despondency. She consulted her indifferent
relative, Buncombe; had he any inkling of the possibility that Mr.
Rolfe was about to change his condition? Buncombe knew nothing and
cared nothing; his own domestic affairs were giving him more than usual
anxiety