Mr. Churchill gave one or two more puffs at his pipe before he answered. "Stourton is nice property," he said, at length. "Yes, and he's a nice-looking young man, suitable in age and everything, and girls are far better married young. I would encourage him to come here if I were you." But Henderson needed very little encouragement to go to Woodside. He began to do so from the day he had bought the horse, and he made very little secret of what was his attraction, and after awhile Mrs. Churchill made up her mind to bring the affair to a conclusion. "May," she said, quietly, after one of Henderson's visits, "I think there is no doubt what that young man comes here for." May did not reply. She had always been very cold and distant to Henderson since Elsie Wray's death, but she also knew very well the reason why he came to Woodside. "Both your father and I think it would be an excellent match for you," continued her stepmother. "Nothing would induce me to marry him," answered May, quickly and sharply, and Mrs. Churchill saw a hot flush rise to her lovely skin. "My dear, it is folly to talk in that way. Girls in these things must be guided by their elders, their parents. I married before I was your age, and I married because my father and mother wished me to do so, not that I was what is called in love with poor Mr. Jones. He, however, made me an excellent husband, and left me in comfortable circumstances. Mr. Henderson is well off, and it is your duty to your father to accept him, as, of course, your keep is a great expense to him." "Has my father complained of the expense I am to him?" asked May, angrily. "He has not absolutely complained, but he is naturally anxious that you should settle and marry well. He was speaking to me about it only yesterday. He is not a rich man, and has, of course, many expenses. We both think young Henderson is the very man for you, and as he has a nice, independent property, it is an exceedingly good match." "I will never marry him," repeated May; "please do not mention this again." But Mrs. Churchill did mention it again. She dwelt on it. It became her pet subject of conversation, and on one occasion when May was out, she--as she expressed it--"sounded" Mr. Henderson on his intentions toward her stepdaughter. The young man did not require a second hint. "I would give anything to marry her, Mrs. Churchill," he said, "but May gives me no opportunity of speaking to her alone; she has changed to me since--" A strange pallor spread over Henderson's handsome face as he left his sentence incomplete, and Mrs. Churchill instantly observed this. "Since that poor girl committed suicide, I suppose you mean?" she said, calmly. "It was an unfortunate occurrence, no doubt, but one that I think no sensible woman could blame you for. You could not be expected to marry her." Henderson gave a kind of gasp. "I am glad to hear you say that, Mrs. Churchill," he said, "but perhaps May--"