The drive home was not quite such a success. Gentian was rather relieved than otherwise when the Cottage was reached. She slipped her hand into Godwin's with a little comforting pressure. "Cheer up," she whispered to him. "I really am not worth what you think I am, and it is ungrateful of me to have spoiled the delicious day you have given us. I shall dream of those old Forest glades. Ever so many thanks." "I am going to cheer up," said Godwin, setting his lips determinedly. "You are too young to know your own mind. You are still a child—" This was a Roland for her Oliver. Gentian looked at him with laughing tender eyes. "I'm going to keep you as a friend," she said; and then she turned to Thorold. "Be very nice to your brother to-night, because we've had a difference of opinion." Then she followed Miss Ward into the Cottage, and her smile disappeared. "Oh, Waddy dear, I feel as if I've been beaten all over, and my head aches so I'll go straight to bed. I don't want any supper." Miss Ward was full of anxiety and tenderness at once. She hovered over her till she was safely in bed. As she stooped over to give her a good night kiss, Gentian put her arms round her neck and hugged her. "You're the only real friend I have, Waddy! The others are only friends for a time. Directly I won't marry them, they cut up rusty." And though Miss Ward was told no more, she knew that Godwin had received his congé. She sighed as she stroked the curly head on the pillow. "I hope the right man will come one day, dear. Now go to sleep, and that poor head of yours will be better in the morning." Meanwhile Thorold and his young brother reached home, Godwin being unusually silent and subdued. Later on, when they sat over the smoking-room fire, and smoked their pipes, Godwin gave his brother his confidence. "I did think she might listen to me; she almost laughed it off. And having such a short time here is awfully rotten! But I'm in downright earnest and she'll find it out. I wish you'd sound her a bit, Thor—she might listen to you. She dismissed me too lightly. I don't believe she knows her own mind. I've never seen any one like her. It isn't mere beauty—it's the light and sparkling fire which seem to be covered over and hidden most of the time. Oh, she's adorable—bewitching—don't laugh at me—Don't you think she may relent? I'd give my life for her!" Thorold did not smile. There was a tender, almost pitying look in his eyes, as he looked at the earnest boy beside him. "I have known others, Godwin, who were going to make you desperate by not listening to you." "Oh, calf love!" said Godwin hastily. "Don't remind me of those schoolgirls." "One was a young widow—" "You're very unpleasant!"