I used to say a great many foolish things," said Guest, quietly. "I
didn't know what I was talking about, you see. Now I do! If she is the
woman he loves, all the little differences go for nothing. I hope he
will marry her, and I believe that they will be happy--"

Cornelia twirled to and fro on the heels of her pointed shoes, and
tilted her chin with a pretence at indifference.

"Well! I guess it won't help things on if I hang about gossiping here.
She ought to have this letter at once, to think out what she's going to
say. Poor little Elma! She'll have a rough time with those two mammas
firing away at her at the same time. Mrs Ramsden will plump for
principle, and Madame for convention. It doesn't seem to either of
_them_ that love is enough! They both believe they know a heap better
what's good for the young people than they do themselves. _And they've
been through it_! You can't get away from that. ... They've been
through it, and away at the other end they are going to do all they know
to prevent their own son and their own daughter from the folly of
marrying for love!..."

"People--some people--seem to keep no memory of youth in middle age!
It's a pity, for it destroys their influence. In the end, however, it
is the young people who decide. ... These two ought to know their own
minds, for it has not been a hurried affair. They have known each other
for years, and have been more and more attracted. That is a duty which
a man and a woman owe to each other in these circumstances--to make sure
that what they are offering is real and lasting! I suppose only time
can prove this. ... We shall see what this afternoon brings forth. In
any case I am needed no longer.--I thought of going north to-morrow
morning to pay a couple of visits."

The hand that was playing with the letter was still for a moment, and an
almost imperceptible quiver straightened the white figure. For a moment
Guest saw, or imagined that he saw, a shadow flit across the girl's
face, but it passed as quickly as it came. She tilted her head, and
said calmly--

"I guess you're right! We've done our turn, and now they've got to fend
for themselves. I hope you'll have a real good time. ... Mr Greville
will let you know when the wedding's fixed!"

"Oh, I shall be back at the end of three or four weeks, before there's
any talk of dates, I expect! I shall see you again in July." He
paused, looking at her with sudden uneasy suspi