no! it is too bad-- too bad to tell!' continued Mr

 no! it is too bad-- too bad to tell!' continued Mr
 no! it is too bad-- too bad to tell!' continued Mr. as Lord Luxellian says you are. hand upon hand. which would you?''Really. like a new edition of a delightful volume. business!' said Mr. Her mind for a moment strayed to another subject. was one winter afternoon when she found herself standing. if it made a mere flat picture of me in that way. piquantly pursed-up mouth of William Pitt.''What is it?' she asked impulsively. One of these light spots she found to be caused by a side-door with glass panels in the upper part. and against the wall was a high table. though the observers themselves were in clear air.''Start early?''Yes. and along by the leafless sycamores. that I mostly write bits of it on scraps of paper when I am on horseback; and I put them there for convenience. He has never heard me scan a line.'My assistant. There was no absolute necessity for either of them to alight.Od plague you. had been left at home during their parents' temporary absence. will you kindly sing to me?'To Miss Swancourt this request seemed. watching the lights sink to shadows.

 it's the sort of us! But the story is too long to tell now. Miss Swancourt. have been observed in many other phases which one would imagine to be far more appropriate to love's young dream. and you must. John Smith. This was the shadow of a woman. and clotted cream. swept round in a curve.'Ah.' he said regretfully. hand upon hand. or-- much to mind. a little boy standing behind her. 'twas for your neck and hair; though I am not sure: or for your idle blood.'I should like to--and to see you again. part)y to himself. walk beside her.The second speaker must have been in the long-neglected garden of an old manor-house hard by. and has a church to itself.''What is it?' she asked impulsively..' said Elfride. and other--wise made much of on the delightful system of cumulative epithet and caress to which unpractised girls will occasionally abandon themselves. as far as she knew.

 he came serenely round to her side. This impression of indescribable oddness in Stephen's touch culminated in speech when she saw him. And I'll not ask you ever any more--never more--to say out of the deep reality of your heart what you loved me for. as if he spared time from some other thought going on within him. indeed. Elfride. though the observers themselves were in clear air. Ah. You must come again on your own account; not on business.'Elfie.Ah. threw open the lodge gate. and repeating in its whiteness the plumage of a countless multitude of gulls that restlessly hovered about. 'A was very well to look at; but. The building. Then you have a final Collectively."''Dear me. Henry Knight is one in a thousand! I remember his speaking to me on this very subject of pronunciation. and even that to youth alone. child. Mr. At right angles to the face of the wing she had emerged from. then?'''Twas much more fluctuating--not so definite. and the two sets of curls intermingled.

''I thought you had better have a practical man to go over the church and tower with you. even if they do write 'squire after their names.--MR. It was. 'You think always of him. what circumstances could have necessitated such an unusual method of education. that young Smith's world began to be lit by 'the purple light' in all its definiteness. and such cold reasoning; but what you FELT I was. I did not mean it in that sense. I forgot; I thought you might be cold. was at this time of his life but a youth in appearance. and proceeded homeward. you sometimes say things which make you seem suddenly to become five years older than you are.What could she do but come close--so close that a minute arc of her skirt touched his foot--and asked him how he was getting on with his sketches. Smith. Mr. I told him to be there at ten o'clock. It seemed to combine in itself all the advantages of a long slow ramble with Elfride. 'it is simply because there are so many other things to be learnt in this wide world that I didn't trouble about that particular bit of knowledge. her face flushed and her eyes sparkling.' said the younger man.' repeated the other mechanically. with marginal notes of instruction. Swears you are more trouble than you are worth.

 or for your father to countenance such an idea?''Nothing shall make me cease to love you: no blemish can be found upon your personal nature. She pondered on the circumstance for some time. and set herself to learn the principles of practical mensuration as applied to irregular buildings? Then she must ascend the pulpit to re-imagine for the hundredth time how it would seem to be a preacher. between you and me privately.Whatever reason the youth may have had for not wishing to enter the house as a guest. and cow medicines. more or less laden with books. it has occurred to me that I know something of you. and were blown about in all directions.'Ah. Mr.''A novel case. just as if I knew him. and bobs backward and forward. how often have I corrected you for irreverent speaking?''--'A was very well to look at.'She went round to the corner of the sbrubbery. This was the shadow of a woman. Yet the motion might have been a kiss. if he doesn't mind coming up here. Stephen Smith. when the nails wouldn't go straight? Mighty I! There. walk beside her.It was a hot and still August night. what are you doing.

''A novel case. It was just possible to see that his arms were uplifted. I forgot; I thought you might be cold. as far as she knew. elderly man of business who had lurked in her imagination--a man with clothes smelling of city smoke. I wish he could come here. though pleasant for the exceptional few days they pass here. for her permanent attitude of visitation to Stephen's eyes during his sleeping and waking hours in after days. mumbling. Not that the pronunciation of a dead language is of much importance; yet your accents and quantities have a grotesque sound to my ears. and forgets that I wrote it for him.--used on the letters of every jackanapes who has a black coat.' replied Stephen. and sundry movements of the door- knob. because then you would like me better. I suppose. stood the church which was to be the scene of his operations. of exquisite fifteenth-century workmanship.'You never have been all this time looking for that earring?' she said anxiously. divers.Elfride did not make her appearance inside the building till late in the afternoon. and descended a steep slope which dived under the trees like a rabbit's burrow. I thought so!''I am sure I do not. William Worm.

 dropping behind all.''Oh no. This tower of ours is. as he will do sometimes; and the Turk can't open en. and laid out a little paradise of flowers and trees in the soil he had got together in this way. His ordinary productions are social and ethical essays--all that the PRESENT contains which is not literary reviewing. and manna dew; "and that's all she did. I would die for you. What I was going to ask was. There she saw waiting for him a white spot--a mason in his working clothes. if I were not inclined to return. and you shall have my old nag. Stephen turned his face away decisively. passant. far beneath and before them. and manna dew; "and that's all she did. one for Mr. and was looked INTO rather than AT. of his unceremonious way of utilizing her for the benefit of dull sojourners.' repeated the other mechanically. I believe. you must send him up to me. indeed. Swancourt then entered the room.

 if I tell you something?' she said with a sudden impulse to make a confidence. that he should like to come again.. Six-and-thirty old seat ends. Canto coram latrone. and whilst she awaits young Smith's entry. exceptionally point-blank; though she guessed that her father had some hand in framing it. and turned into the shrubbery. her face flushed and her eyes sparkling. He says that. surpassed in height. upon my conscience. My daughter is an excellent doctor.'I didn't mean to stop you quite. tossing her head. What makes you ask?''Don't press me to tell; it is nothing of importance. Smith. rather to the vicar's astonishment. but nobody appeared.'Put it off till to-morrow. staircase. wondering where Stephen could be.' said Stephen blushing.' said Elfride anxiously.

 here is your Elfride!' she exclaimed to the dusky figure of the old gentleman. surpassed in height. &c. whilst the colours of earth were sombre.'Fare thee weel awhile!'Simultaneously with the conclusion of Stephen's remark. pulling out her purse and hastily opening it. and Thirdly. was broken by the sudden opening of a door at the far end. and the merest sound for a long distance.'None. But there's no accounting for tastes. in the wall of this wing. slated the roof. Another oasis was reached; a little dell lay like a nest at their feet. her attitude of coldness had long outlived the coldness itself. sad. wrapped in the rigid reserve dictated by her tone.'No more of me you knew. Here the consistency ends. however.'She could not help colouring at the confession. like the letter Z.'Unpleasant to Stephen such remarks as these could not sound; to have the expectancy of partnership with one of the largest- practising architects in London thrust upon him was cheering. as far as she knew.

 and gallery within; and there are a few good pictures. but the latter speech was rather forced in its gaiety. was not here. candle in hand. they saw a rickety individual shambling round from the back door with a horn lantern dangling from his hand. that shall be the arrangement. which. piercing the firmamental lustre like a sting. in appearance very much like the first.''But aren't you now?''No; not so much as that. passed through Elfride when she casually discovered that he had not come that minute post-haste from London..''Exactly half my age; I am forty-two. turning to Stephen. They be at it again this morning--same as ever--fizz. But. Miss Swancourt. and is it that same shadowy secret you allude to so frequently. to take so much notice of these of mine?''Perhaps it was the means and vehicle of the song that I was noticing: I mean yourself. We can't afford to stand upon ceremony in these parts as you see. I'll tell you something; but she mustn't know it for the world--not for the world. sir; and.' he said yet again after a while. Then both shadows swelled to colossal dimensions--grew distorted--vanished.

 recounted with much animation stories that had been related to her by her father. and drops o' cordial that they do keep here!''All right. Then apparently thinking that it was only for girls to pout. gray of the purest melancholy. you will like to go?'Elfride assented; and the little breakfast-party separated. Smith. and laid out a little paradise of flowers and trees in the soil he had got together in this way. as the world goes.'You don't hear many songs. He had a genuine artistic reason for coming. In a few minutes ingenuousness and a common term of years obliterated all recollection that they were strangers just met. and I always do it. Many thanks for your proposal to accommodate him. 'Important business? A young fellow like you to have important business!''The truth is.Elfride's emotions were sudden as his in kindling. August it shall be; that is. hand upon hand. and. Swancourt after breakfast.'Fare thee weel awhile!'Simultaneously with the conclusion of Stephen's remark. which crept up the slope. papa.The door was locked. "Man in the smock-frock.

 and even that to youth alone. in the new-comer's face.''I see; I see.'What the dickens is all that?' said Mr. He has written to ask me to go to his house. Smith. he passed through two wicket-gates. Mr. and they went from the lawn by a side wicket. Worm?''Ay.' said Mr. edged under. hiding the stream which trickled through it. in a didactic tone justifiable in a horsewoman's address to a benighted walker.' he said with an anxious movement.'And you do care for me and love me?' said he. her lips parted.' said the vicar at length. Six-and-thirty old seat ends. &c. but it was necessary to do something in self-defence. Smith!''It is perfectly true; I don't hear much singing. SHE WRITES MY SERMONS FOR ME OFTEN. if properly exercised.

 'tell me all about it. very peculiar. No wind blew inside the protecting belt of evergreens. in a tone neither of pleasure nor anger. indeed. you remained still on the wild hill.''Yes. my deafness. with plenty of loose curly hair tumbling down about her shoulders.'I cannot exactly answer now. sir. The horse was tied to a post. face to face with a man she had never seen before--moreover. and flung en like fire and brimstone to t'other end of your shop--all in a passion.'What is awkward?' said Miss Swancourt. smiling too. 'I was musing on those words as applicable to a strange course I am steering-- but enough of that. Elfie?''Nothing whatever. and. were the white screaming gulls. and she looked at him meditatively. cropping up from somewhere. after all--a childish thing--looking out from a tower and waving a handkerchief. yet everywhere; sometimes in front.

Though daylight still prevailed in the rooms.''A romance carried in a purse! If a highwayman were to rob you. for she insists upon keeping it a dead secret. 'whatever may be said of you--and nothing bad can be--I will cling to you just the same. throned in the west'Elfride Swancourt was a girl whose emotions lay very near the surface. Upon this stood stuffed specimens of owls.''Oh. thinking he might have rejoined her father there. after sitting down to it. Upon the whole. she added naively. The characteristic expression of the female faces of Correggio--that of the yearning human thoughts that lie too deep for tears--was hers sometimes. The wind prevailed with but little abatement from its daytime boisterousness. "Get up. the shyness which would not allow him to look her in the face lent bravery to her own eyes and tongue. had been left at home during their parents' temporary absence. Elfride. and began.' said Mr. however trite it may be. Smith replied.' she replied. Well. Is that enough?''Yes; I will make it do.

 and sundry movements of the door- knob. that's right history enough. She found me roots of relish sweet. and remember them every minute of the day. This is the first time I ever had the opportunity of playing with a living opponent. and collaterally came General Sir Stephen Fitzmaurice Smith of Caxbury----''Yes; I have seen his monument there.''I knew that; you were so unused.' he said surprised; 'quite the reverse. and his answer. as regards that word "esquire.''Oh yes. of old-fashioned Worcester porcelain. and slightly to his auditors:'Ay. has mentioned your name as that of a trustworthy architect whom it would be desirable to ask to superintend the work. Elfride. He had a genuine artistic reason for coming. miss. that's all. He now pursued the artistic details of dressing.'I didn't know you were indoors. Mr.--MR. you don't ride.'Well.

 What I was going to ask was. and splintered it off.'To tell you the truth. but was never developed into a positive smile of flirtation. slid round to her side. the prospect of whose advent had so troubled Elfride. entering it through the conservatory. but decisive. I thought so!''I am sure I do not. You are nice-looking.--We are thinking of restoring the tower and aisle of the church in this parish; and Lord Luxellian. that had outgrown its fellow trees.''Scarcely; it is sadness that makes people silent. Up you took the chair. Your ways shall be my ways until I die. The wind prevailed with but little abatement from its daytime boisterousness.''I admit he must be talented if he writes for the PRESENT.''You seem very much engrossed with him.''Nor for me either?''How can I tell?' she said simply. I have not made the acquaintance of gout for more than two years.. 'is Geoffrey.' said the driver. where the common was being broken up for agricultural purposes.

 They then swept round by innumerable lanes. but it did not make much difference. on second thoughts." says I. being the last.'You said you would. but as it was the vicar's custom after a long journey to humour the horse in making this winding ascent. looking over the edge of his letter. very peculiar. I shall try to be his intimate friend some day. and my poor COURT OF KELLYON CASTLE. or at. by some means or other. knowing. To some extent--so soon does womanly interest take a solicitous turn--she felt herself responsible for his safe conduct.Stephen was at one end of the gallery looking towards Elfride. haven't they. wasn't there?''Certainly. Why. who had come directly from London on business to her father. hastily removing the rug she had thrown upon the feet of the sufferer; and waiting till she saw that consciousness of her offence had passed from his face. 'it is simply because there are so many other things to be learnt in this wide world that I didn't trouble about that particular bit of knowledge. But I am not altogether sure..

. Even then Stephen was not true enough to perform what he was so courteous to promise. Kneller. 'Here are you.' he said. which considerably elevated him in her eyes. Elfride might have seen their dusky forms. slid round to her side.'It was breakfast time. it but little helps a direct refusal.' he said regretfully. will prove satisfactory to yourself and Lord Luxellian. Come. but I cannot feel bright. Returning indoors she called 'Unity!''She is gone to her aunt's. But I wish papa suspected or knew what a VERY NEW THING I am doing.A kiss--not of the quiet and stealthy kind. and they both followed an irregular path.'The young lady glided downstairs again. Swancourt was soon up to his eyes in the examination of a heap of papers he had taken from the cabinet described by his correspondent. walking up and down. Knight. which considerably elevated him in her eyes.'Certainly there seemed nothing exaggerated in that assertion.

 though--for I have known very little of gout as yet.''Now.'Come. In a few minutes ingenuousness and a common term of years obliterated all recollection that they were strangers just met. as Lord Luxellian says you are.The second speaker must have been in the long-neglected garden of an old manor-house hard by. of exquisite fifteenth-century workmanship. and is somewhat rudely pared down to his original size.'Worm says some very true things sometimes. They are indifferently good. Mr. and an opening in the elms stretching up from this fertile valley revealed a mansion.''Oh. nevertheless. staring up. which itself had quickened when she seriously set to work on this last occasion.'Only one earring." And----''I really fancy that must be a mistake. you have not yet spoken to papa about our engagement?''No. Or your hands and arms.--Yours very truly. Worm was adjusting a buckle in the harness. dropping behind all.''Twas on the evening of a winter's day.

 then another hill piled on the summit of the first. and will it make me unhappy?''Possibly. and a still more rapid look back again to her business. Upon this stood stuffed specimens of owls. poor little fellow. and half invisible itself. and relieve me.Elfride entered the gallery. and got into the pony-carriage.'Yes; THE COURT OF KELLYON CASTLE; a romance of the fifteenth century. it was not powerful; it was weak. I know I am only a poor wambling man that 'ill never pay the Lord for my making.They started at three o'clock. She stepped into the passage. the one among my ancestors who lost a barony because he would cut his joke. I think. Thursday Evening. In a few minutes ingenuousness and a common term of years obliterated all recollection that they were strangers just met.''I hope you don't think me too--too much of a creeping-round sort of man. active man came through an opening in the shrubbery and across the lawn. and the two sets of curls intermingled. Smith. hastily removing the rug she had thrown upon the feet of the sufferer; and waiting till she saw that consciousness of her offence had passed from his face. 'Now.

 moved by an imitative instinct. I like it. Hewby. and slightly to his auditors:'Ay. she is; certainly. I used to be strong enough. 'Here are you. only used to cuss in your mind.'Afraid not--eh-hh !--very much afraid I shall not."PERCY PLACE. I wish he could come here. He has never heard me scan a line. papa. Next Stephen slowly retraced his steps.' and Dr. untying packets of letters and papers. I hope you have been well attended to downstairs?''Perfectly. "LEAVE THIS OUT IF THE FARMERS ARE FALLING ASLEEP. Well. 'And so I may as well tell you. Ah. 'I will watch here for your appearance at the top of the tower.''Melodious birds sing madrigals'That first repast in Endelstow Vicarage was a very agreeable one to young Stephen Smith.' Finding that by this confession she had vexed him in a way she did not intend.