"We are ordered to leave Franton. It is very hot and oppressive in July and August, and the doctors want us to go to some high mountain resort in Switzerland. We shall move on by easy stages as soon as possible-- possibly next week. It is quite uncertain what we shall do for the autumn and winter; we may possibly move on to the Engadine. In any case I'm afraid it is unlikely that we shall return to England. Will there be any chance of seeing you when we return in spring, Miles?" And then Betty received a shock, for Miles replied quietly-- "I shall be back in Mexico long before then. I don't think I shall take more than three months' holiday this time. One gets tired of loafing after a busy life. I shall want to get back to work." "Miles, how can you!" cried his sister shrilly. "Three months! In another seven weeks--it's impossible! We have hardly had time to realise that you are home. We made sure that you would be with us till after Christmas at least. Three months' holiday after all these years! Oh, Miles, you can't mean it!" "I came home to see you all, Betty, and to satisfy myself that you were well; when that's done there's no more excuse for lazying. I am entitled to a year's rest, if I like to take it; but if I go back now I shall be nine months nearer my next visit; and if the mine does all that we expect, I shall be back sooner than you imagine. Three years--even two--may see me home again, and then--things may be changed--it may be easier to stay--!" He kept his eyes lowered as he spoke, but Betty understood. Perhaps Cynthia did too, for her pale cheeks flushed, and she made not a word of comment. When Miles rose a few minutes later, she said "Good-bye" to him in exactly the same words which she had used six years before-- "Good-bye, Miles. I won't forget!" And Miles crushed her little hands in his, and walked silently away. At the gate Mrs Alliot was awaiting him, as on the morning of his first visit. She looked wistfully at the stern, white face, then laid her hand on his arm, and said in a tremulous voice-- "Mr Trevor--I--I want to thank you! You have been very brave and kind. Don't think I have not understood--mothers always understand--but for Cynthia's sake I was obliged to be selfish. It might have undone all she has gained, to have had any great excitement or agitation. She is very young yet--only twenty-two--and she looks upon you as a friend of her school-days. It was better for every reason that your relations should remain unchanged." Then Miles faced her, a tall imposing figure drawn to his full height, with shoulders squared and flashing eyes.