ok in the literal sense. My
uncle will be delighted, although the ground has been thoroughly looked
after, I believe. My relations have done their utmost to make an
agriculturist of me. If I spend an autumn down there, and take an
interest in things, it will be regarded as a hopeful sign."

"Then you have a home in the country," said Elsie, with a little sigh.

The sigh was not lost on Arnold.

"Yes, I have a quaint old place in Blankshire," he replied. "It
overlooks a valley of many streams, in the midst of a quiet pastoral
country. Can I persuade you to come and see it with the Lennards, Miss
Kilner? Most people think it rather pleasant."

"The Lennards? Oh, I fancy they are going to Switzerland," she said. "I
am not sure about their plans, and I have not made any arrangements
yet."

"I shall write to Mr. Lennard to-night," Arnold remarked. "If I'm to
begin to make myself useful I shall expect all my friends to come to my
aid. May I count upon your help, Miss Kilner?"

There was an undertone of earnestness in the light speech and a look of
eagerness in his face.

"I would help if I could," she answered. "As to the country, I see it
always in my dreams. It is a lost Paradise to me."

"Then why did you leave it?" he asked suddenly.

She coloured, and the dark lashes veiled the trouble in her eyes.

His heart ached for her. Yet, being human, all sorts of doubts and fears
came crowding into his brain. Was there an old love-affair and undying
constancy? With that intense face of hers she could hardly have escaped
love's sorrows.

And then, in an instant, came a flash of wonder at himself. Was he
already so nearly in love that he dreaded a possible rival?

"Circumstances were too strong for me," she replied. "The rector and
Mrs. Lennard knew that I had to go. I came to London because I have more
friends here than anywhere else."

There was a tremor in her voice that touched him. He felt a sudden
longing to be her champion, and prove that "circumstances" were not too
strong for him. A man never looks so well as when he is under the
influence of a chivalrous feeling; it can transfigure even a dull face,
and Arnold's face was anything but dull. Poor Elsie happened to glance
at him at that moment, and a soft glow flushed her cheeks. She tried
hard not to think that she was losing her heart.

"It would be so dreadful," she thought, "if I were to make a fool of
myself at nine-and-twenty! Can't I venture to enjoy