and kinsfolk at home, who had so clearly
approved his advances in the winter, and would certainly blame
Elizabeth, on her return, for the fact that his long journey had been
fruitless. He magnanimously resolved that Lady Merton should not be
blamed if he could help it, by anyone except himself. And he had no
intention at all of playing the rejected lover. The proud, well-born,
fastidious Englishman stiffened as he walked. It was wounding to his
self-love to stay where he was; since it was quite plain that Elizabeth
could do without him, and would not regret his departure; but it was no
less wounding to be dismissed, as it were, by Anderson. He would not be
dismissed; he would hold his own. He too would go with them to
Vancouver; and not till they were safely in charge of the
Lieutenant-Governor at Victoria, would he desert his post.

As to any further communication to Elizabeth, he realised that the hints
into which he had been so far betrayed had profited neither himself nor
her. She had resented them, and it was most unlikely that she would ask
him for any further explanations; and that being so he had better
henceforward hold his peace. Unless of course any further annoyance were
threatened.

* * * * *

The hotel cart going down to Laggan for supplies at midday brought
Anderson his answer:

"DEAR MR. ANDERSON--Your letter gave me great concern. I
deeply sympathise with your situation. As far as I am
concerned, I must necessarily look at the matter entirely
from the point of view of my fellow-travellers. Lady Merton
must not be distressed or molested. So long, however, as this
is secured, I shall not feel myself at liberty to reveal a
private matter which has accidentally come to my knowledge. I
understand, of course, that your father will not attempt any
further communication with me, and I propose to treat the
interview as though it had not happened.

"I will give Lady Merton your message. It seems to me
doubtful whether she will be ready for excursions next week.
But you are no doubt aware that the hotel makes what are
apparently very excellent and complete arrangements for such
things. I am sure Lady Merton would be sorry to give you
avoidable trouble. However, we shall see you to-morrow, and
shall of course be very glad of your counsels.

"Yours faithfully,

"ARTHUR MANDEVILLE D