irely new families, so I have done enough for honour; besides,
I am wanted at home. An old aunt has died and has left me a considerable
sum of money, just because I had plenty of my own before, I suppose. It
is another instance of female perversity. So I have had a letter from my
solicitor saying that I am really wanted; but in any case I should have
gone now or in another month or two. I begin to feel that I have had
enough of wandering, and at thirty-eight it is time to settle down if
you are ever going to do so."

There was a silence round the table as he ceased speaking, for all felt
that the loss would be a serious one, and although Mr. Atherton had
tried to speak lightly they could see that he too felt the approaching
end of their close friendship.

"Are you going to start at once?" Mr. Renshaw asked.

"No, I shall give myself a fortnight or three weeks before I sail. I
have all the plants I gathered this time to dry and prepare properly;
besides, I should like a quiet stay with you before I say good-bye. You
see, I have not seen much of you during the last year."

Nothing further was said on the subject, which none of them liked to
touch on. For the next two days the house seemed strangely quiet.

"By the way, what has become of young Allen?" Mr. Atherton said at
dinner on the third day. "You told me every one was well, so I suppose
he is away from home, as I have not seen him since I came, and he used
to be a very regular visitor." There was a momentary silence and then
Mrs. Renshaw said:

"I do not think he is away from home, though he may be, for he was
talking the other day of looking out for a fresh piece of land for
himself. Now that his brother is married I suppose it is only natural
that he should think of setting up for himself. The farm is of course
their joint property, but I suppose they will make some arrangement for
his brother to take over his share."

"Naturally," Mr. Atherton agreed, "young Allen would not care about
remaining now that his brother is married. When one of two partners
marries it generally breaks up the partnership, and besides, he will of
course be wanting to have a place of his own, and the holding is not
large enough to divide."

After dinner Wilfrid strolled out with Mr. Atherton.

"I daresay you saw, Mr. Atherton, that your question about Bob Allen
fell rather as a bomb-shell among us. There is no reason why you, who
are a great friend, should not know the truth. The