"I felt you would not come and see us," she said in her blunt downright fashion; "so I came to see you. We are not annoyed with you, though I am sure you think we are. Anne and I know our nephew's way so well. That was why we did not want you to meet him. He takes violent fancies to girls, and then slips away from them, before he definitely commits himself." "He didn't treat me like that," said Gentian, with great dignity. "It was I who ran away from him. But I was too hasty and impulsive, Miss Horatia. I was beside myself with excitement in London, and when I was told I could make quite a nice sum by accompanying people, I thought I should like to take it up as a profession." "And then what happened?" inquired Miss Horatia. "Well," said Gentian hesitating, "Mr. Vernon would not leave me alone. He wearied me. I had to do everything with him, and go everywhere with him, and I got sick of it, and of the people I had to meet. I am not made for towns. I always think some of us are made for the country and some for towns, don't you think so? And then I simply fled, and I never want to see London again. It all tired me to death, and made my nerves all come to the top of my skin. Do you know the feeling?" "I could have told you what it would be like, but you would not have believed me." "I am ashamed of myself. How is Miss Anne? Would she see me if I came over and asked her forgiveness for leaving her so suddenly, after all her kindness to me?" "She'll like to see you any day. And so you're really engaged to Thorold Holt? I thought you considered him an antiquated prig and meddler." "I thought he was everything that was horrid when I first knew him," said Gentian laughing; "but everybody who really gets to know him, and watches his life, must adore him, Miss Horatia!" Miss Horatia laughed. "Then that is your role now! Well—you can pin your faith and love on Thorold and never be disillusioned. I'll say that, and I've known him for a good many years. You're a lucky young woman, and I congratulate you with all my heart." "Thank you. Every one tells me that. And they nearly say 'you're not half enough good for him,' their eyes and corners of their mouths say it, if their tongues don't! But it's quite true. I'm not good enough, or clever enough, or steady enough. But somebody said once that people who live together get like each other, so I'm hoping to get like him in time." "You would do well to be shaken into a bag together," said Miss Horatia. "I dare say you'll tone down, and he'll brisk up. Now what I want to ask you is this: Are you going to get a chance of continuing your riding after you're married?" "Oh, I hope so. Cousin Thor says he will have horses. How is my dear Sophy?" "She's eating her head off in the stable. Are you staying here? If so, come over and exercise her. I think I may give my old hunter to you as a wedding present." "Oh, Miss Horatia! After the way I have behaved! Why, you're a perfect angel!"