Didn't I say so?"

"'Truth is the agreement of our notions with the reality of things,'"
quoted Isabella, laughing. "There you have it plainly demonstrated."

"I must go now," said Philippa, rising. "I have to thank you for a
very delightful afternoon."

"I only hope it may be the first of many others," answered Isabella
warmly. "I should like to try and persuade you to stay longer, but if
you really cannot do so I will get the cart ready and drive you back.
You will come again, won't you?" she added earnestly.

This Philippa was only too glad to promise, and a few minutes later
they were proceeding across the moor at the same dignified pace at
which they had travelled on their outward journey.

CHAPTER X

THE MAJOR'S VISIT

"Say thou thy say, and I will do my deed."--_Gareth and Lynette_.

Major William Heathcote stood, with his feet firmly planted rather wide
apart, on the hearthrug of his library at Bessacre High House, in the
proverbial attitude which Englishmen assume when they are giving their
opinion with what may, without prejudice, be called decision. It is
possible that he had taken up this attitude as being the nearest
approach possible under the circumstances to the strategic position
known as "back to the wall." His face was stern, and now and again he
emphasised a remark by drumming with his right hand upon the palm of
his left. His voice was not raised, but his words came cuttingly, and
it was evident that they were prompted by something very near to cold
anger.

The other occupant of the room, for there were only two, was Doctor
Robert Gale, who was doing a quick quarter-deck march between the door
and the window, his face set, his chin pushed forward, tugging
persistently at his ragged beard, first with one hand and then with the
other. He did not seem to be angry, merely impatient and very
obstinate.

"I cannot permit it," the Major was saying, "The whole scheme is
preposterous; it is grossly unfair--first of all on poor Francis
himself----"

"Pshaw!" said the doctor.

"You talk about shock," continued the other without noticing the
interruption, "but the shock will be much more severe when he finds out
the truth--and secondly to Miss Harford. You had no right to suggest
such a course. She is young, and a visitor in my house. Now do just
think reasonably for a moment." The Major's voice took a more
persuasive tone. "Granted that Miss Harford's sympathy leads her to