Besides, if she were once established in this new sphere of life, it would be highly disagreeable and offensive to have any one near her who knew of this episode. If Lord Vivianne know, he would always have her in his power; he would hold the secret like a drawn sword over her head. No; better for her own safety to steal away from him without saying one word. Even if, in the after years, they should meet again, it was hardly possible that he would recognize her, surrounded by all the luxuries of her position, the honored daughter of noble parents. It was not likely that he would recognize in her the girl who had left Brackenside for his sake. As for leaving him--far from feeling the least regret, far from seeing that she was treating him dishonorably, she smiled to herself at his consternation when he should return to the river-side and not find her. "He will think that I have run away with some one else," she thought; and the idea amused her so intensely that she laughed aloud. "You are well content," said Earle, bitterly. "Why should not I be? You have brought me wealth and fortune, title and honor--all that my soul loves best. Why should I not be content?" She had finished her musing now, and it had brought her to two conclusions: she must leave Lord Vivianne at once, and in silence, while she must at the same time, at any price, keep her secret from Earle. Another and very probable idea occurred to her. It was this: by Earle being sent to fetch her, it was very evident that her parents approved of him, and that she would have to marry him. Looking at him, she thought it was not such a bad alternative, after all. He was handsomer, younger, stronger than Lord Vivianne; besides, what little affection she had had to give had always been his. Then she arose from her seat with a smile. "I have finished thinking, Earle. To make matters square, I promise myself that I will not think again for ever so many months." "What is the result of your deliberation?" he said. "I wish you would be a little kinder to me, Earle. You speak so gravely, you look so coldly, that you make me quite unhappy." His face flushed slightly and his lips trembled. "I do not wish to seem unkind, Doris, but let me ask you--what else besides coldness and gravity can you expect from me?" "You know I always liked you, Earle." "I know you betrayed and deceived me about as basely as it is possible to deceive any one. But we need not discuss that now." She looked at him with a smile few men could resist, and held out her hands. "Be friends, Earle; I like you too well, after all, to travel with you while you look so cold and stern. Give me one smile--only one--then I shall feel more at my ease." "I do not think my smiles cheer, or the loss of them depresses you. Neither can I smile to order; still you need have no fear of traveling with me." It was in her nature to respect him more, the more difficult he seemed to please. "I shall manage him in time," she thought.