plete
mistake. You and your cousin, all of you, in fact, are strangers, you do
not know either Gracias-a-Dios, or Reginald Kirby, as we do. Gracias
will _not_ remark; Gracias has no such habits; and Reginald Kirby's
views must not be taken in such a serious matter as this. Much as we
like Reginald Kirby, indisputable as is his talent--and we consider him,
all Gracias considers him, one of the most brilliant men of the time--he
is in some of his judgments--I regret to say it--but he _is_ light! When
he speaks on certain subjects, one might almost think that he was" (here
Penelope lowered her voice) "_French!_ And so Middleton and I have come
down to-day to say that your cousin must not be in the least influenced
by anything he may have suggested. Gracias will _not_ comment;
Middleton, speaking (through me) as rector of the parish, assures you of
this; and he knows our people. I hope you will not think us forward;
but we could not possibly stand by and see Garda so terribly
sacrificed--married to a man who does not love her in the only _true_
way. And all on account of a misconception!"

"I don't think Evert was influenced by anything Dr. Kirby said,"
Margaret answered.

"Or would say?"

"Or would say."

"You think, then, that the idea of possible comment in Gracias had
nothing to do with it?"

"I don't know anything about that, Mrs. Moore. But I do think that Evert
has long been interested in Garda."

"Oh, interested. We are all interested."

"I mean he has cared for her."

Mrs. Moore shook her head, and folded her hands decisively. "That is not
enough," she answered. "The question is--does he _love_ her?" And she
drew in her small lips so tightly that there was scarcely any mouth
visible; only a puckered line.

"You'll have to ask him that," said Margaret, rising. "I am going to get
you a glass of wine."

"Now that is the only unkind thing I have ever heard you say, Mrs.
Harold. Of course we cannot ask him; his position forces him to say yes,
and we should know no more than we did before. But _could_ you sit by--I
ask you as a woman--and see Garda sacrificed?"

"It wouldn't be such a sacrifice--marrying Evert Winthrop," said Mrs.
Harold, in a tone which was almost sharp.

"It makes no difference _who_ it is, if he doesn't love her," responded
Penelope, solemnly; and she believed with all her heart in what she
said. She looked at Margaret; but Margaret's back was towards her. She
rose, and with her weak