The sight was so startling, so moving--especially in a woman of Miss Valery's mature age and composed demeanour--that Nathanael's wife instinctively turned her eyes away and kept silence. In a minute or two Anne had returned to Mr. Harper's arm, and the three were walking on as before; until, ere long, they nestled themselves in a sheltered nook, where the sea-wind could not reach them, and the sun came in, warm as summer. Nathanael began to show his wife the different points of scenery--especially the rocky island of Portland, beyond which the line of coast sweeps on ruggedly westward to the Land's End. “But I believe,” he said, “that there is nowhere a grander coast than we have here--not even in Cornwall.” “Speaking of Cornwall,” Miss Valery said, closely observing Nathanael, “I lately heard a sad story about some mines there.” Mr. Harper seemed restless. “The speculation had failed, having been ill-managed, or, as I greatly fear, a cheat from the beginning. As I had property near in the county--what, did you not know that, Nathanael--I was asked to do something for the poor starving miners of Wheal Caroline. Have you heard the name, Agatha?” “No,” said Agatha, innocently, not paying much attention, except to the lovely view. “Not heard? That is strange. But you, Nathanael”-- “I know all,” he said hastily. “It is a sad history--too sad to be talked of here. Another time”-- His eye met hers--and both turned upon Agatha, who sat a little apart, enjoying the novel scene, and rejoicing above all that the sea--vague object of nameless terror--could ever appear so beautiful. “Poor child!” murmured Miss Valery. “Hush, Anne!” Nathanael whispered, so imploringly--nay, commandingly, that Anne was startled. “How like you are to”-- “What were you saying?” asked Agatha, turning at last. “I was saying,” Miss Valery replied hastily--“I was saying how like Nathanael looked just then to his Uncle Brian.” “Did he indeed? Was that all you were speaking of?” “Not quite all; but I find your husband knows the story; he will tell you, _as he ought_,” added Anne pointedly. “Surely I will, one day,” said Nathanael. “But in this case, as in many others, where there has been misfortune or wrong, I consider the best, wisest, most charitable course is not to spread it abroad until the wrong has had a chance of being remedied. Do you not think so, Anne?” “Yes,” she answered, her eyes fixed upon the resolute young face that seemed compelling her to silence almost against her will. It was marvellous to see the influence Nathanael had, even over Anne Valery. “And now,” continued Mr. Harper, “while I am alone with you and my wife”--here he drew Agatha within the circle of talk, and made her lean against his knee, his arm shielding her from the wind--“I wanted to talk with you, Anne, about some plans I have.” “Say on.”