t I think--I half think--that I ought
not to be married; I shall make such a bad wife to you if I am always
ailing and weak."

"But you are not going to be ailing and weak, dearest--you are going to
be a strong woman yet. Did you not tell me how you conquered that
nervous inclination to give way last night after your interview with
Mrs. Vane? And did you not walk to the station and travel up to town in
the early morning without doing yourself a particle of harm? Believe me,
darling, your ill-health was in great part a figment got up by Mrs. Vane
for her own ends. You are perfectly well; and, when we are married, you
will be strong too. Do you believe me, Enid?"

"Perfectly."

"And are you sure yet whether you love me or not?"

She smiled, and the color flooded her sweet face. And he, although he
knew well enough what she would say, pressed for an answer, and would
not be satisfied until it had been put into words.

"Do you love me, Enid? Tell me, darling--'Yes' or 'No'?"

And at last she answered very softly--

"I love you, Maurice, with all my heart and soul!"

CHAPTER XLV.

Maurice Evandale was obliged to go to Beechfield that evening; but,
before he went, he explained his position more fully to Miss Vane than
he had thought it necessary to do with Enid. His father had left him an
ample income; he had no near relatives, and was able to look forward
with confidence to giving Enid a comfortable home. He wanted to marry
her as soon as possible; but, as Miss Vane pointed out to him, there was
no use in being in too great a hurry, for many things would have to be
settled before Enid's hand could be given in marriage. She herself had
always meant to leave Enid a fair share of her own wealth, and she
announced her intention of settling a considerable sum upon her at once.
If the General would do the same thing, Enid would be a bride with a
goodly dower. But Miss Vane was a little inclined to think that her
brother would be angry with the girl for leaving his house, and that he
might be difficult to manage. Mr. Evandale must be guided by
circumstances--so she said to him; and, if Dick was ill, and the General
anxious and out of temper, he had better defer his proposal for a week
or two. She promised that she would do her best to help him; and he knew
that he might rely on Enid's assurance of her love.

Accordingly he went back to Beechfield; and Enid was left at Miss
Vane's, there to gain strength of mind