it
was part of it. My mother would rather go into a hermitage than
stand in the way of Raymond's happiness. Some one must have made
mischief."

"It was not all," said the girl; "it was Lord Tyrrell's coming in
the way. Yes, my father told me so; he held it up to me as an
example of what one ought to do for one's family."

"Then she was coerced?"

"I don't know; but such a marriage for me, with some one who would
redeem the property, is their scheme for me. Even if your mother
and brother could tolerate the thought of one of us, my poor dear
father will never dare to consent as long as she is with him."

"Nay, Lenore; have I not often heard her say she prefers happiness
to ambition? Whatever she may have done, she has come to think
differently. She has well-nigh told me so."

"Yes, at Rockpier," sighed Eleonora. "Hark!" The sound of the
ponies' bells and hoofs was heard; Lenore put her hand on his arm,
and drew him aside on the grass, behind a clump of trees, hushing
him by a silent pressure as he tried to remonstrate. He clasped her
hand, and felt her trembling till the tinkling and tramp were gone
by.

"You frightened darling!" were his first words, when she let him
speak. "Who would have thought you would be so shy? But we'll have
it out, and--"

"It is not that," interrupted Lenore, "not maidenly shyness. That's
for girls who are happy and secure. No; but I don't want to have it
all overthrown at once--the first sweetness--"

"It can't be overthrown!" he said, holding arm and hand in the
intense grasp.

"Not really, never; but there is no use in attempting anything till
I am of age--next autumn, the 7th of November."

"Say nothing till then!" exclaimed Frank, in some consternation.

"We are only where we were before! We are sure of each other now.
It will be only vexation and harass," said she, with the instinct of
a persecuted creature.

"I couldn't," said Frank. "I could not keep it in with mother! It
would not be right if I could, nor should I feel as if I were acting
fairly by your father."

"You are right, Frank. Forgive me! You don't know what it is to
have to be always saving one's truth only by silence. Speak when
you think right."

"And I believe we shall find it far easier than you think. I'm not
quite a beggar--except for you, my Lena. I should like to go home
this minute, and tell mother and Charlie and Rose, that I'm--I'm
treading on air; but I should only be fal