im before it was necessary, but he has been hoping that I was `settling
down.' Norah, I can't do it! I hate leaving home, and shall be
wretched when the time comes; but I have roving blood in my veins, and
cannot settle down to a jog-trot, professional life in a small English
town. If I go out to this place I shall lie low until I have a
practical knowledge of the land and its possibilities, and then I'll buy
an estate, and work it in my own way. I have the money my uncle left
me, and can make my way without asking father for a penny. He is coming
over this afternoon, and I am sure he means to talk to you. We didn't
say anything to the mater and Edna, but he knows that you and I are
friends, and that I will listen to what you say. He means to ask you to
persuade me to stay at home. But--you understand how I feel, Norah?"

"Yes, Rex. Don't be afraid! If your father speaks to me I shall advise
him to let you go. You have kept your share of the bargain: it is for
him to keep his," said Norah steadily. "And it appears that you _want_
to go away and leave us."

"You will live in London now for the greater part of the year. If I
were at home I should only see you at long intervals. I should not
settle in this neighbourhood. Our life would be quite different..."

"Oh yes, quite different! Everything will be different now. You will
have gone, and--Lettice too! Rex! don't be angry if I ask you
something. I will try to persuade your father to give you your way,
but--tell me this before you go!-- Has the news about Lettice had
anything to do with your decision?"

Rex stopped short, and stared at her in amazement.

"This news about Lettice! Norah, what do you mean?"

"About her engagement! I always thought that you liked her yourself.
You remember what you used to call her--`Lovely Lettice'?"

"Well, and so she was lovely! Anybody might have seen that. Of course
I liked her, but if you mean that I am jealous of Arthur Newcome--no,
thank you! I should not care for a wife who would listen to the first
man who came along, as Lettice has done. She was a jolly little girl,
and I took a fancy to her at first sight, but--do you remember our
adventure in the old passage, Norah? Do you think Lettice would have
stuck to me, and been as brave, and plucky, and loyal as you were in the
midst of your fright? I never forgot that day. It was last night that
I spoke to my father, before I heard a word about Lettice