I say “ended,” because, though there was a great deal of laughing with Augustus and Lisabel--who had pushed one another ancle-deep into the pond, and behaved exactly like a couple of school-children out on a holiday, and though, they, hurrying home, Doctor Urquhart and I afterwards followed leisurely, walking together slowly, along the moor-land road--we did not renew our conversation. We scarcely exchanged more than a few words;--but walking thus arm-in-arm we did not feel--that is, I did not feel, either apart, or unfriendly, or sad. There is more in life than mere happiness--even as there are more things in the world than mere marrying and giving in marriage. If, from circumstances, he has taken that resolution, he is perfectly justified in having done so, and in keeping to it. I would do exactly the same. The character of a man who marries himself to a cause, or a duty--has always been an ideal of mine--like my Max--Max and Thekla.--But they were lovers, betrothed lovers; free to _say_ “I love you” with eyes and lips--just once, for a day or two--a little hour or two.--Would this have made parting less bitter or more? I cannot tell; I do not know. I shall never know aught about these things. So I will not think of them. When we came home--Doctor Urquhart and myself--I left him at the door, and went up into my own room. In the parlour I found Colin Granton come to tea--he had missed me at church, he said, and was afraid I had made myself ill; so walked over to Rockmount to see. It was very kind--though, while acknowledging, it he seemed half ashamed of the kindness. He and Augustus, now on the best of terms, kept us alive all the evening with their talking and laughing. They planned all sorts of excursions--hunting, shooting, and what not--to take place during the grand Christmas gathering which is to be at Treherne Court. Doctor Urquhart--one of the invited guests, listened to all, with a look of amused content. Yes--he is content. More than once, as I caught his eye following me about the room, we exchanged a smile--friendly, even affectionate.--Ay, he does like me. If I were a little younger--if I were a little girl in curls, I should say he is “fond” of me.--“Fond of”--what an idle phrase!--such as one would use towards a dog, or cat, or bird. What a difference between that and the holy words, “I love”--not as silly young folks say, I am “in love”--but “_I love_;” with all my reason, will, and strength; with all the tenderness of my heart, all the reverence of my soul. Be quiet, heart--be silent, soul! I have, as I said before--nought to do with these things.