“Perhaps,” said Agatha, shocked to see her husband's emotion--“perhaps if we take great care, and she is very happy,--people must live when they are happy”-- “Few would live at all then,” was the answer, unwontedly bitter. “Better not--better not; poor Anne! It is a hard, cruel, miserable world.” “Why do you say that, Nathanael?” He started, and Agatha too, for opening the door, with a bright, clear look, was she of whom they were just talking--Anne Valery. “I knew I might come in. I heard what you were doing here,” and a slight sadness crossed her face. “Is it all done, now?” “Nearly,” and Mrs. Harper hurriedly folded the letter, which lay still on her lap. Miss Valery's eye caught the writing; Nathanael gave it to her. Anne read it; at first with a natural womanly feeling--nay, even agitation. Soon this ceased, absorbed in the infinite peace and content of her whole mien. “I knew all this long ago,” she said calmly. “It was a--a _mistake_ of Frederick's.”--Then, still calmly; “What do you think I have just heard from Marmaduke!--He”--there could be but one she meant--“he has safely landed at Havre.” “Uncle Brian!” the young people both cried, and then instinctively repressed the joy. It seemed too sacred to be expressed in ordinary fashion. And passing naturally from one thought to another, Nathanael glanced round the room; the unused desk, the scattered papers left to be examined by the unfamiliar hands of a younger generation. Had the absent one come but a little sooner! “Alas!” he said, “it seems as if the world's universal sorrow lay in those words, '_Too late.'_” Miss Valery sank on a chair, her temporary strength departing. Her hands dropped into that fold that was peculiar and habitual to them--a simple attitude, not unlike Chantrey's “Resignation.” “You speak truly, Nathanael. But 'our times are in _His_ hand.'” She said no more, and shortly Mr. Harper, taking with him the sealed packet that was endorsed “_My Will_” led the way to where the family were assembled. In doing so there grew over him the hard silence always visible when he was much affected. But Agatha was not surprised or hurt: she began to understand him better now.