couple opportunity, and
they needed nothing more. There were already between them a good
understanding, transparent secrets, little jokes, a confessed
confidence. They quickly became affectionate. The lovely Sarah,
relict of Herbert Sandys, Esq., not only reminded Ulfar of his
vows to Aspatria, but in the very reminder she tempted him to break
them. When Aspatria's letter was put into his hand, she was with
him, marvellously arrayed in tissue of silver and brilliant colours. A
head-dress of gold coins glittered in her fair braided hair; her
long white arms were shining with bracelets; she was at once languid
and impulsive, provoking Elizabeth and Ulfar to conversation, and
then amazing them by the audacity and contradiction of her opinions.

"It is so fortunate," she said, "that Ulfar has found a little
out-of-the-way girl to appreciate his great beauty. The world at
present does not think much of masculine beauty. A handsome fellow who
starts for any of its prizes is judged to be frivolous and poetical,
perhaps immoral: you see Byron's beauty made him unfit for a
legislator, he could do nothing but write poetry. I should say it was
Ulfar's best card to marry this innocent with the queer name: with his
face and figure, he will never get into Parliament. No one would trust
him with taxes. He is born to make love, and he and his country
Phyllis can go simpering and kissing through life together. If I were
interested in Ulfar----"

"You are interested in Ulfar, Sarah," interrupted Elizabeth. "You said
so to me last night."

"Did I? Nevertheless, life does not give us time really to question
ourselves, and it is the infirmity of my nature to mistake feeling for
evidence."

"You must not change your opinions so quickly, Sarah."

"It is often an element of success to change your opinions. It is
hesitating among a variety of views that is fatal. The man who does
not know what he wants is the man who is held cheap."

"I am sure I know what I want, Sarah." And as he spoke, Ulfar looked
with intelligence at the fair widow, and in answer she shot from her
bright blue eyes a bolt of summer lightning that set aflame at once
the emotional side of Ulfar's nature.

"You say strange things, Sarah. I wish it was possible to understand
you."

"'Who shall read the interpretation thereof?' is written on everything
we see, especially on women."

"I believe," said Elizabeth, "that Ulfar has quarrelled with his
country maid. Is t