upport you on the other side."

"Briskett!" volunteered Cornelia, bowing towards him in gracious
acknowledgment. "Now then, Elma, up with you! Guess you're about sick
of that bank by this time. There's nothing to it but nerves, and that
won't prevent you walking with a prospect of tea ahead. You're not half
as bad as you think you are."

Elma thought she was a good deal worse! The sudden rise to her feet,
drawn by two strong hands, brought with it a return of the faintness,
and for a moment it seemed as if Geoffrey would have to carry out his
first proposition. She struggled bravely, however, and Cornelia
forcibly ducked her head forward--a sensible, though on the face of it,
rather a callous remedy, of which Geoffrey plainly disapproved. He drew
the little hand through his arm, pressing it close to his side, and thus
linked together the three made their way to the lodge-gate and up the
winding avenue.

As they went Cornelia kept casting quick, scrutinising glances at her
companions, her brain busily at work trying to place this stranger,
whose name had never been mentioned in her hearing, but who yet appeared
to take such a deep interest in Elma's welfare. Once, with a sigh, the
girl had regretted that her mother disapproved of "some of the nicest
people in the neighbourhood." Was Geoffrey Greville to be regarded as
representing that vague quantity? Again, with a second sigh, Elma had
confessed that the county people on their side showed no desire to
cultivate her own acquaintance. This afternoon, with a blush, she had
maintained that the best road lay through Steadway, though a signpost
persistently pointed in another direction. Two sighs, and a blush! In
the court of love such evidence is weighty, while of still greater
import was the manner in which Elma clung for support to the arm on the
right, leaving only the gentlest pressure on that to the left.

As for the man himself, there could be no doubt that he had reached the
stage of entire subjugation. His whole bearing was instinct with
possessive pride, his strong, bronzed features softened into a beautiful
tenderness as he watched the flickering colour in Elma's cheeks, and
smiled encouragement into her eyes. He had a good face; a trifle
arrogant and self-satisfied, no doubt, but these were failings which
would be mitigated by the power of an honest love. For the rest, he
looked strong, and brave, and true. Cornelia's frown gave way to a
smile