"It has just occurred to me we might do the right thing--obviously the right thing. Don't you think so, Nellie? What's the good of waiting, and wearing ourselves out with ceaseless labour? On the thirty-first of this month, the last of summer, let us make the plunge." "Do you mean it?" she asked, with a queer little laugh, which was perhaps a trifle spiteful; but then the lover was so very callous. "I have thought over it a great many times, and I've always arrived at the same conclusion." "But what do you want me to do on the thirty-first?" "To go to church." "I go every Sunday." "For a special purpose." "I always have one." "To hear the service read." "Will that make any difference to me?" "Why, of course it will." "It will change my present B. into a lifelong D.?" "That's a very artistic way of putting it," said George, rubbing his hands. "On the thirty-first?" "It will suit me nicely." "For the sake of peace and quietness I agree. But I want you to promise one thing--don't waste money over an engagement-ring; as, if you do, I won't wear it." "That's a splendid idea! But all the same, Nellie, I should never have thought of going to any expense." "You are so economical. It's the one thing I like about you." "And the one thing I like about you," said George, not to be outdone in compliments, "is your willingness to listen to good advice." They parted, with quite a friendly handshake. George went to his bed, and was baked so soundly above the oven that, before he reached Windward House the following morning, Miss Yard and her attendants had departed. CHAPTER XVII PLOUGHING THE GROUND Kezia had locked up the house and given to Bessie possession of the keys; because she had always been left in charge when the family departed to the seaside, having received her commission as holder of the keys from Captain Drake himself in the days when she was growing. Now there was a husband in command, and one who held decided views regarding property. Robert expressed his willingness to undertake the duties of custodian; but, in order that the work might be performed efficiently, he proposed to Bessie that they should close their own cottage and retire into luxurious residence across the road. So when George called at his own house, which was occupied by caretakers he had not appointed, the doors were locked against him. He was not refused admittance, as that might have looked like an unfriendly act; his presence was simply ignored. Robert, smoking in the parlour, with his feet upon the sofa, heard the knocking; but he struck another match and smiled. Bessie, who was preparing the best bedroom, heard the ringing; but she peeped behind the curtain and muttered, "Can't have him in here taking things."