er lips. She could imagine that a conflict of wills
between the old Squire and his son would be no trifling matter. In
imagination, she saw them standing facing each other, the father ruddy,
bristling, energetic, Rex straight and tall, his lips set, his eyes
gleaming. They were too like each other in disposition for either to
find it easy to give way.

"Boys are a great trial," she said, sighing profoundly. "We have two,
you know--Raymond and Bob. They have gone back to school now, and the
house is so peaceful. I am glad I wasn't born a boy. They never seem
happy unless there is a disturbance going on. But both Rex and your
father seem so fond of you. Can't you coax them round?"

"Oh, I daren't!" Edna looked quite alarmed. "Mother and I never
interfere; we leave them to fight it out between themselves. But if
they go on fighting for the next three years it won't be very lively, I
must say!"

Edna would have been as much surprised as delighted if she had known
that the conflict which had so long destroyed the peace of the household
was at an end, even as she spoke. No one could fail to notice that the
Squire was in an unusually radiant frame of mind at luncheon, or that he
addressed his son with marked favour; but it was not until the drive
home was nearly over, and the gates of Cloudsdale in view, that Rex
enlightened his companion's curiosity on the point. He cleared his
throat once or twice in a curious, embarrassed manner, before he began
to speak.

"Er--Norah--I've something to tell you. When we were shut up in that
hole last night, I was thinking too. The governor has been very good to
me, and it seems ungrateful to stand out about college, when he is so
keen on it. It is only for three years. I--er--I told him this morning
that I would do my best till I was twenty-one, if he would promise to
let me have a free choice after that."

"Oh, Rex, did you? I am so glad. I am sure you will never regret it.
You will always be glad that you did what your father wished, even if it
is hard at the time. I think you are very, very good and kind, and
unselfish."

"All right! You needn't gush. I hate girls who gush," said Rex curtly;
and Norah understood that she was to say no more on the subject, and
collapsed into obedient silence.

It seemed a day of good resolutions, for Norah could not but notice that
Hilary looked ill and was obviously in low spirits. Her greeting had
been more affectionate