"Could you make the mother understand by degrees? It's very bad for her. You see James Leigh is only a distant cousin, and he must have Toppings. She thought so much of my living here, I wish she'd _give me up_." "I'll try," said Sylvester; "but she will come to it in her own time." "Your father could help her. Syl, do you think he could come out here by and by? He would make it much easier for my mother, and I should like to do all that's right, and prepare myself as much as possible." "I am sure he will come, if you wish it." "And then--Amethyst. The Jacksons know her and Una, they met them in the autumn. But I shall never see her again. Wasn't it odd that we talked of her that last day in Orkney? Ask her to forgive me for being such a fool. Give her my love. I wish I could have taken care of her. I wish I could know she was happy." "I will tell her everything. Don't talk too much now, dear boy, there'll be plenty of chances." "I don't know. You see, sometimes, speaking hurts me so badly; but I've thought it all over, in and out. You know, Syl, if I'd been in the army, and got killed out in Egypt or anywhere, you would have thought nothing of it, though I am young. And we're bound to believe that it's all right, and God's will, as it is." "Lucy," said Sylvester, "there's one thing you must let _me_ say. I know you gave your life for mine, quite as much as if we'd been under fire, and you had waited to help me out." "Oh no, I didn't," said Lucian. "I let go because I thought there was no good in killing two people instead of one. I was done for before that. What! the pony carriage come round? Let me rest for five minutes, Syl, and then we'll go." Lucian was helped into the pony carriage, and Sylvester sat beside him, and drove along a lovely sunny road with a wide view of the blue sparkling sea. They did not talk much more, only Lucian made his companion notice each point of interest, and very observant eyes he had for bird or flower, picturesque costume, or strangely-shaped boat dancing on the water--the traveller's keen eyes for the characteristics of a new country. Suddenly the keen eyes fixed themselves, and he started half upright, and laid a detaining hand on the reins. "There she is!" he said, breathlessly. Sylvester saw a tall young lady, in a grey dress, coming along the road towards them; but his sight was shorter than Lucian's, and only a lover's instant insight made him say--"Amethyst? Impossible!" "No--they are somewhere in these parts. Stop, Syl! She is coming." Sylvester pulled up short, sprang out, and went to meet her. "Miss Haredale," he said, desperately, "Lucian is here. He has seen you; will you come and speak to him?" "Here!" ejaculated Amethyst. "Oh yes--if he wishes it. I hope he is better?" She came up to the side of the carriage, and Lucian raised himself, and looked up in her face.